בס”ד
Parashat Vayakhel In this week’s Torah reading we find the actual building of the Tabernacle. However, there’s an introduction that Moshe says before communicating the laws of the building that gives us some insight into how to repair Idolatry.
Parashat Vayakhel: The Connection Between Work and Shabbat
This week’s Torah reading is called Vayakhel, which means “and he gathered.” It tells us that Moses gathered the Jewish people to instruct them on how to build the Mishkan (the Tabernacle), the mobile Temple in the desert. The Torah then describes how they built it exactly as Moses commanded.
However, before giving these instructions, Moses made a small introduction about Shabbat, the laws of the seventh day. The Torah says:
“Six days, work shall be done, and on the seventh day, you shall rest…”
From this, our sages in the Talmud derive which types of work are forbidden on Shabbat—specifically, the types of labor involved in building the Mishkan.
Why Did Moses Gather the People for This Message?
A question arises: why did Moses find it necessary to gather the entire Jewish people for these particular laws? In many other cases, Moses gave commandments without assembling everyone. What is unique about this moment?
To understand this, we need to look deeper into the phrase “work shall be done.” Why doesn’t the Torah say, “you shall do work”?
This wording teaches us that there are two ways to approach work:
- Work as the Source of Sustenance – A person might believe that their effort alone determines their income. The more they work and invest their heart and mind into their job, the more they will earn.
- Work as a Vessel for Divine Blessing – A person can recognize that all sustenance comes from G-d, and work is merely the channel through which His blessings materialize. This does not mean working less in terms of quantity—one may still work long hours—but in terms of quality, their deepest focus and emotional energy remain directed toward spiritual pursuits such as Torah study, prayer, and fulfilling G-d’s will. When someone has this perspective, their work feels as though it “happens by itself”—they put in the effort, but their heart and mind remain centered on a higher purpose.
This perspective explains why the Mishkan atones for the sin of the Golden Calf. The essence of idolatry—even in its most subtle form—is believing that something other than G-d has independent power. In the same way, when a person thinks that their work alone determines their success, they are, in a sense, placing their trust in something other than G-d. This is a very subtle form of idolatry. Instead, one must recognize that everything—sustenance, success, and blessing—comes from G-d, and work is simply the means through which His blessings are revealed in the world.
This also explains why Moses gathered the Jewish people before giving them these laws. It was not just about instructing them on how to build the Mishkan, but about instilling the right mindset: that every aspect of their lives should be directed toward serving G-d.
The Deeper Meaning of Vayakhel (“And He Gathered”)
The name of this parasha, Vayakhel, means “to gather.” Moses was teaching the people that before they could build the Mishkan, they first needed to “gather” all their strengths, abilities, and inner focus toward G-d. Only when a person dedicates every part of their life to divine service can their work truly become a vessel for G-d’s presence in the world.
A Universal Message
This concept applies to both Jews and non-Jews.
- For Jews, this means not only performing the mitzvot (commandments) but also using everyday actions—eating, sleeping, and working—as opportunities to bring G-d’s presence into the world.
- For non-Jews, this concept is just as relevant. It means recognizing that all sustenance, strength, and success come from G-d and living with this awareness every day. When a person understands that it is G-d who grants them the ability to work, to achieve, and to prosper, they naturally begin to see His presence in every aspect of life.
This awareness not only transforms a person’s own life but also influences those around them. When someone truly recognizes G-d as the source of all blessing, they will naturally speak about Him, acknowledge His kindness, and inspire others to do the same. By spreading this consciousness—the knowledge of G-d’s unity and the moral guidance He has given both to the Jewish people and to humanity as a whole—the world becomes more refined and spiritually elevated.
Ultimately, this collective recognition of G-d’s presence in the world plays a crucial role in bringing about the final redemption, when all of humanity will live in harmony under the guidance of Mashiach (the Messiah), speedily in our days.
Talk from Rabbi Tuvia Serber
The above is a representation of the spoken text converted to written text.
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