1. (Click to next slide)
(Continued from previous)

2. Vayakhel-ויקהל: Torah: Exodus 35:1-38:20 Haftarah: 1 Kings 7:13-26
"And He assembled"
Torah: Exodus 35:1-38:20
Haftarah: 1 Kings 7:13-26
Brit Chadesha: 2 Co 9:6-11
Psalms: 22, 76, 119 (Kof, Resh)
Gospels: Matthew 27
Vayakhel begins with three passages that remind us about Shabbat and the seriousness of violating it. Shabbat is the prime example of YHVH's sanctification of TIME.
For six profane weekdays (and profane simply means common, holy means set apart – profane and holy, common and set apart). For six profane weekdays, work shall be done and the seventh day shall be holy for us, it is a supreme day of rest for YHVH ...and for us. Sanctity of time.
These three passages are followed by 119 verses (the rest of Vayakhel), which deal with the command and fulfillment of the mitzva to build the Mishkan AND fashion all of its furnishings and vessels. The Mishkan is the Tabernacle. It is the height of sanctity—the sacredness of “PLACE” (if you will).
This pretty much covers our entire existence. We exist in a PLACE, at a TIME in the cosmic realm of things. And these two manifestations of holiness—the Shabbat and the Sanctuary—pretty much covers everything that we are about as a people. Almost. There is still more.

3. Fun Facts about Vayakhel.
Fun Facts about Vayakhel
We are on the 22nd of 54 portions
It’s the 10th of 11 in Shemot
Written on 212 lines in a Torah
It is the 24th in length
Vayakhel contains 1 of the 613 mitzvot—a prohibition: Do not kindle a fire on the Shabbat
Even though the Sanctuary (the place that YHVH dwells) is holy and they are about to do the work to build his house… the Shabbat is to be kept and all creative efforts (that’s the definition of work) is to cease—even when it comes to building YHVH’s dwelling place.
We learn a deeper lesson about sanctity of time. YHVH created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, therefore, He blessed the Shabbat and He sanctified it. He showed us how and then commands us to "keep" the Shabbat, to treat it with respect and sanctity, to enjoy it. He has set aside certain days—actually they are appointments—where He wants to spend time with YOU and Shabbat is the day he wants to “chill with his peeps”. Would you blow off an appointment for a medical test that could end up saving your life? Well, this appointment is just as important and we are taught by YHVH how to sanctify time.
YHVH taught us what to look for in the sky in order to set the ball in motion for the sanctification of the Jewish Calendar. The calendar was determined long ago and each month begins with a new moon (Rosh Chodesh) and Torah tells us which days of the month we celebrate certain Holy days. We have the month established by the new moon and the dates established by Torah (Click to next slide)

4. Fun Facts about Vayakhel.
Fun Facts about Vayakhel
We are on the 22nd of 54 portions
It’s the 10th of 11 in Shemot
Written on 212 lines in a Torah
It is the 24th in length
Vayakhel contains 1 of the 613 mitzvot—a prohibition: Do not kindle a fire on the Shabbat
(Continued from previous)
The first three verses of this portion are situated just before a monumental effort to build God’s dwelling place. God placed the keeping of the Shabbat first, which elevates the concept of Sanctity of Time to a new all time high. We can say that the partnership between YHVH and ourselves is definitely present. You keep the Sabbath and make a Sanctuary for Me and then I will dwell among you. And that completes the picture of holiness.
So, lets take a look at the only commandment we find in our portion: Do not kindle a fire on the Shabbat. Few of us, today, depend on a fire in the home for warmth, cooking, or lighting. Electricity and natural gas provide a more reasonable alternative.
Does this mean this commandment is no longer relevant? We could just reserve it for those who still need to gather wood and start fires for basic living. However, in the spirit of interpretation, fire needn't be just a physical flame. "You shall kindle no fire" could be interpreted to include the fire of anger. Arguments and angry shouts are as much a disruption of Shabbat as working and spending money. Please commit, for your own sake and overall health, to deny a place for contention on this day.
(Click to next slide)

5. Fun Facts about Vayakhel.
Fun Facts about Vayakhel
We are on the 22nd of 54 portions
It’s the 10th of 11 in Shemot
Written on 212 lines in a Torah
It is the 24th in length
Vayakhel contains 1 of the 613 mitzvot—a prohibition: Do not kindle a fire on the Shabbat
(Continued from previous)
With that in mind, we have an open forum because it’s an opportunity to clarify, to expand on pivotal truth so that doctrine of men can be quickly dismantled and as a congregation, we can become
“one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” as written in Ephesians 4:4-6
We do not want to engage in heated debate in this sanctuary. That discussion is more suited for a bible study and we have one, come to it for lively discussions and debate on Thursday night. If you disagree with me, come to me another day and we will discuss it.
The Shabbat is a time to exercise restraint over our lives and actions. For one day a week, we can try to consciously guard our tongue and assuage our anger. In doing so, we might just learn to see those closest to us in a more favorable and loving light. Who knows, and we may be able to extend the exercise to a second day, and a third, and a fourth. . . “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3.

6. How is the Haftarah like Vayakhel?.
How is the Haftarah like Vayakhel?
“25It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; the see was on top of them, with their haunches inward. 26Its thickness was a handbreadth and it lip was designed like the lip of a cup with a rose-blossom design; it contained two thousand bas-measures.” 1 Kings 7:25-26 (Stone’s Edition Chumash)
This haftarah shares the central theme of the assembling of the temple with Vayakhel. This portion describes the intricate and ornate details of different utensils and vessels; in particular, these verses refer to the laver that was so huge. It was so big, that this one in Solomon’s Temple was called the “Sea of Cast” referring to the metal casting of this huge basin (KJV calls it a “molten sea”). It’s purpose was to hold the water for ceremonial use and ritual washing.
The bas measurement referred to here (1 Kings 7:26) was translated to the English word bath, but according to Stone’s Commentary a “bas” is a container that will hold 432 eggs. This particular container, the Sea of Cast, will hold 2000 bas, which calculates to over gallons of water (you’ll see it her on the next slide, I have a picture for you). It’s name, the Sea of Cast alludes to its very large size.

7. King Solomon hired Hiram, the son of a widow, from the tribe of Naphtali whose father was a coppersmith. He apparently followed in his fathers footsteps and made all the beautiful utensils and vessels for the Temple made from copper. The haftarah tells us the exquisite columns were named Boaz and Yachin. KJV identifies the metal as bronze, but Stone’s Chumash identifies the metal as copper.
One can imagine from this rendering and the Biblical descriptions, the incredible beauty and craftsmanship of Solomon’s Temple.

8. Why is God repeating the commandment for the Sabbath?.
Why is God repeating the commandment for the Sabbath?
“1And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the Lord hath commanded, that ye should do them. 2Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.” Exodus 35:1-3
In this portion Moses assembles the people and offers them the privilege and challenge of building the tabernacle so that YHVH might live among them. Much of the text in this week’s Torah is a repetition of things mentioned in the last 3 portions; but every word that proceeds from the mouth of YHVH is filled with purpose and meaning. Only man produces idle chatter, so what is He trying to tell us here?
On a purely surface level, the message is this: acknowledging YHVH must precede service to YHVH. We could prostrate ourselves, we could do all sorts of penance and sacrifice (things done mostly for show) but what about acknowledging Him by imitating Him. He rested on the 7th day, so we rest too. Imitation is the highest form of a compliment. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” Ephesians 5:1
(Click to next slide)

9. Why is God repeating the commandment for the Sabbath?.
Why is God repeating the commandment for the Sabbath?
“1And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the Lord hath commanded, that ye should do them. 2Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.” Exodus 35:1-3
(Continued from previous)
The sages go a little more deeply into this repetition of Sabbath observance. They determined it was a prerequisite for even building the Tabernacle. These people had just broken the covenant in the most complete and thorough way. Idol worship constitutes a rejection of all 613 commandments, because, if you can’t accept the 1st one forget the rest. So, in order for their repentance to be equally complete and thorough, Israel had to accept all of the commandments upon itself once again. To follow YHVH completely, they must begin to repair the damage by imitating Him.
Do you have anything that needs to be repaired in your life? Even if you have a path of wreckage to repair, so did they. Creating a setting for YHVH’s presence on earth was a measure of Israel’s greatness and the main reason the nation even existed. Today, He’s giving you a means to start the job right here, right now.

10. Why does YHVH need people to bring offerings or do anything?.
Why does YHVH need people to bring offerings or do anything?
“29The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.” Exodus 35:29
Just like the Holy Half Shekel has multiple purposes and blessings, this portion reveals the restorative miracles that obedience and service to the LORD creates. YHVH does not need our offerings or our service. He never did and never will, but something incredible happens when we bring in a willing offering unto the LORD. Let’s take a little look at what actually happens when we are in the act of giving a gift or serving someone.
Most of the time there is personal contact involved, isn’t there? It’s only been recently that we’ve been able to be long distance givers, so throughout most of history and even now, a gift is a personal exchange, isn’t it?
YHVH reveals that He has created an opportunity to get close to Him through bringing in these offerings. He allows us to draw nearer by obediently serving Him. When we have a sincere inner desire to give back to Abba Father, it elevates us and unites us with Him. We are the ones who are actually blessed by drawing near to Him in giving our offerings and obedient service.

11. What was the miracle attached to building the Tabernacle?.
What was the miracle attached to building the Tabernacle?
“1Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded.” Exodus 36:1
This is such a beautiful concept and I hope you catch it. After today, I hope you never forget it. Let’s look at the reality of the situation that was facing the children of Israel and maybe we can relate to some of our own missed opportunities and the blessings AWAITING US!
For all practical purposes and intents, the children of Israel were an unskilled labor force in the middle of nowhere. They could make bricks, but what good is that when your trekking through a wilderness? They were in tough shape, a lot tougher than we might realize.
Remember, Egypt didn’t think to highly of shepherds and once Joseph was gone, their status eroded until they ended up slaves. By the time they left Egypt, there were no Jewish artisans. Egypt would not train them or allow them to develop any talents or the finer skills. What they did have hidden deep within themselves was innate natural ability. Everybody has it, it’s how God made us, including you.
(Click to next slide)

12. What was the miracle attached to building the Tabernacle?.
What was the miracle attached to building the Tabernacle?
“1Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded.” Exodus 36:1
(Continued from previous)
The emphasis is on inspiration and sincere motivation, and phrases like “in whom the Lord put” that are found throughout these verses clearly tells us they were unskilled to serve as artisans in the skills needed to build the Tabernacle according to His plan. There were no
weavers, sewers, tailors or tentmakers of this magnitude;
no builders, metal workers,
no casters and jewelers to set the gems
But since YHVH had asked them to do it, there must be a way—HE would make it possible for them to complete the task. That’s the miracle and they anticipated it! They expected it.
The LORD has so much he wants to pour out on His people. Know that if you will step out in faith to serve Him, He will meet you.

13. What is the deeper meaning for repeating the making of the vessels?.
What is the deeper meaning for repeating the making of the vessels?
“1And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it: 2And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about. Exodus 37:1-2
When we studied the Ark of the Covenant, the Shewbread Table, the Menorah and the Incense Table we learned about it from the perspective of YHVH’s revealed plan. In this Torah portion, we learn about them from a personal perspective, one that involves man in a hands on manner.
This is a personal message for you in 2011 even though these events occurred nearly 3500 years ago. YHVH wants you to realize that these vessels represent the innermost of human ideals:
There is the Ark that holds and safeguards YHVH instructions, His teachings.
There is a Table that represents man’s struggle to sustain this physical body in gathering daily bread.
There is a vessel of light, the Menorah, that reminds of our obligation to reflect the light of Torah beyond our self.
There was the Altar of Incense, that reminds us of our need to surround our actions with sweetness before Him.

14. Does giving keep us humble?.
Does giving keep us humble?
“6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Today’s Portion took us deep into hidden blessings of the tabernacle and about YHVH’s plan to bless us from every aspect of contact with HIM. I hope you weren’t consumed by thoughts of money and pass the plate when you heard this Torah portion. Our obligation to fund the upkeep is part of it, but there is so much more here and I hope you embrace the miracles and the blessings. We suffer great loss when we aren’t able to see how every commandment was designed to bless us and show us His great love for us.
Surely God loves to bless us, and He gives grace to His children who have been cheerful givers. He wants us to know that if we have a longing desire to draw nearer to Him, then generosity bridges the gap. He loves it when His children give to others with a joyful heart, not "grudgingly."
YHVH takes pleasure in blessing His people with the answers to their problems. These verses from 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 offer so much wisdom and neatly wrap up the Torah Portion.
(Click to next slide)

15. Does giving keep us humble?.
Does giving keep us humble?
“6But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
(Continued from previous)
Have you ever noticed how God gives us so many visual lessons about His plan for us in agricultural themes:
harvest time,
planting seeds,
gardens,
reaping and sowing.
Even the Feasts are centered around agricultural themes. Here is God’s universal truth: if I plant corn, I’ll get corn. I won’t get peas or beans or anything else. I’ll get corn, on that I can depend.
Reaping and sowing, it’s a universal principle. So, in this life, if I plant genuine concern in other people’s life, I should find caring people that surround me. If I truly listen to others, they will trust me with their heart. If I am tolerant and accepting—if I am forgiving of others, they will be tolerant and accepting and forgive me in return. With healthy seed and good ground that is what should happen.
It seems that the LORD, via Paul, reveals the secret to success. Everyone is looking for success, but what does it look like to you? I think it is maintaining long term, loving and healthy relationships.

16. .
Summary
Once again, we are commanded to observe the Shabbat: Abba wants us to REST
The Mishkan (Tabernacle) plans are revealed
People abundantly provide the building materials: Gold, Silver, Copper, Colorful wool, goat hair, spun linen, animal skins, oil, herbs and precious stones.
Moses assembles the people of Israel and reiterates to them the commandment to observe the Shabbat. He then conveys God's instructions regarding the making of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The people donate the required materials in abundance, bringing gold, silver, copper, blue, purple and red-dyed wool, goat hair, spun linen, animal skins, wood, olive oil, herbs and precious stones. Moses has to tell them to stop giving.
(Click to next slide)

17. Summary A team manufactures the Mishkan: 3 layers of roofing.
Summary
A team manufactures the Mishkan:
3 layers of roofing
48 gold plated wall panels
100 silver sockets
The Parochet (inner veil) and the Masach (outer screen)
The Ark, the Mercy Seat, the showbread table, the menorah and its oil, the incense and outdoor altar, the basin, utensils, curtains, posts, and anointing oil
(Continued from previous)
A team of wise-hearted artisans make the Mishkan and its furnishings (as detailed in the previous Torah readings of Terumah, Tetzaveh and Ki Tisa): three layers of roof coverings; 48 gold-plated wall panels, and 100 silver foundation sockets; the Parochet (Veil) that separates between the Sanctuary's two chambers and the Masach (Screen) that fronts it; the Ark and its cover with the Cherubim; the Table and its Showbread; the seven-branched Menorah with its specially-prepared oil; and the Golden Altar and the incense burned on it; the Anointing Oil; the outdoor Altar for Burnt Offerings and all its implements; the hangings, posts and foundation sockets for the Courtyard; and the Basin and its pedestal, made out of copper mirrors.
(Click to next slide)

18. Summary An accounting of all the donations are made.
Summary
An accounting of all the donations are made
Priestly garments are assembled
The Mishkan is completed and all its components are presented to Moshe
The Mishkan is erected and anointed
The priesthood is anointed
The Divine Presence appears as a cloud
(Continued from previous)
An accounting is made of the gold, silver and copper donated by the people for the making of the Mishkan. Betzalel, Ahaliav and their assistants make the Eight Priestly Garments –
the Efode,
Breastplate,
Cloak,
Crown,
Turban,
Tunic,
Sash
and Breeches
-- according to the specifications communicated to Moses in the Parshah of Tetzaveh.
The Mishkan is completed and all its components are brought to Moses, who erects it and anoints it with the holy Anointing Oil, and initiates Aaron and his four sons into the priesthood. A cloud appears over the Mishkan, signifying the Divine Presence that has come to dwell within it.

19. Chazak! Chazak! Venischazeik! Be Strong! Be Strong! .
Chazak! Chazak! Venischazeik!
Be Strong! Be Strong!
And may we be strengthened!
At the conclusion of each of the five books of the Torah, it is customary for the congregation to proclaim:
Chazak! Chazak! Venischazeik!
Be Strong! Be Strong!
And may we be strengthened!
Why do we do this?
The first and simplest explanation is: it is tradition!   We are taught that no word, not even one single letter in the Torah is not without meaning. We even have a saying that one can find Messiah in every page of the Torah.  
If we are pretty much just saying the same word three times, we might want to know more about this word.   “Chazak”, as with most Hebrew words has multiple meanings.  The word carries the meaning of the following concepts:
to be bound to strong / strengthen to retain / to keep
to be attached to courageous to prove helpful
to support to conquer to uphold
to preserve to hold fast to encourage
Every time we proclaim this phrase, we are stating that we will be bound to what we read in the Scriptures, that we will retain and keep the words we heard.  We are stating that we will let the Holy Words strengthen us, preserve us and be helpful to us in our lives.  Because of these words we study, we will be courageous and be bound to them; they are a part of us. It’s been said that even the white spaces between the letters are filled with meaning.  That’s incredible.