A Community and Its Individuals, Equally Important

This week’s Parasha is composed of two portions. The decision to combine the occasional readings of two portions instead of just one arose out of the need to reconcile between the number of Torah portions (54) and the number of Shabbatot in a year (52). Doubling up Torah portions is also practiced close to reference point on the Jewish calendar (e.g. Pesach, Shavuot and others).

This week’s Parashah pairs Vaykhel and Pikudei.

It is interesting to note that these two Parashot express two different and perhaps conflicting messages. Vayakhel means gathering bringing people together and creating a community, a Kehilah. A community creates a stronger, more sublime reality, forges a sense of unity and commitment. And that is precisely what Moshe is trying to create in Parashat Vayakhel.

 The Parashah details how Moshe gathers Am Yisrael, shares with them G-d’s directive to build a House for Him and reminds them of the importance to observe Shabbat. Am Yisrael is excited and enlists itself to this important task. They contribute, each in their own way and according to their abilities. Some give silver, gold, precious stones. Others contributed by applying their skills.

Moshe’s efforts to unite the People have borne fruit. After a short while, Moses is told that there are enough materials, supplies and skilled individuals to carry out the duty. The mission of cementing a community by providing a common goal has been successful.

Then comes Parashat Pikudei, its pair. The word, “Pikudei” means counting, taking a census, tallying up. In this Parashah, Moshe is counting and documenting the vessels of the Mishkan, each one separately and equally important regardless of its size or value.

The message is clear. The process of building the Mishkan symbolizes the formation, the transformation of Am Yisrael from a forlorn multitude into a nation that shares a common covenant where everyone is an essential, vital part of one whole. 

Moshe, the great leader, was able to find the balance between the two very important, concepts underlying every healthy society, the community and its individuals. Through paring these two Parashot, we are given the tools to creating a society of shared values and ambitions where each individual feels connected and responsible for its well-being in an equal manner.

Fellow Jews and Am Yisrael, these are  trying times for the world. Here in Yisrael, the problem is magnified due to unresolved political issues. It is at times such as these that we need to join hands, cultivate our sense of unity, forget our petty ego related issues and dedicate ourselves, our skills and resources for the good of the whole.

To achieve Peace among us, we need both “Vayakhel and “Pikudei” equally.

Shavua tov. May we have a week full of Light, Love and Every Blessing.