SUNDAY, 24 MARCH 2024, 5:00PM
Despite the relatively minor nature of the festival of Purim, it has assumed far greater proportions and significance in popular Jewish culture. It is often celebrated as if it were a major Jewish holiday. On the surface of it, the events of Purim — recounted in the biblical Book of Esther — are about a near catastrophe in ancient Persia. The Jews, about to be attacked, end up turning the tables on their enemies and end up the victors. Therefore, the date of Purim became an opportunity for celebration of this miraculous turn of events.
Not since the end of WW2 has this festival assumed a more significant role.
Recent events in Israel and around the world have highlighted the delicate balance between sanity and insanity.
William Faulkner wrote: “The past is never dead. It's not even past.”
The PURIM Story is a Model for fighting anti-Semitism.
We like to joke that our Jewish holiday celebrations can be summed up as, “They tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat.”
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For all those that are in need of a Refuah Shlema (רפואה שלמה) - may they be granted a complete and speedy recovery.
Please let us know of anyone that you feel should be included in our weekly prayers. (Please provide their Hebrew name and their mothers Hebrew name.).

Parshat Summary for Vayakhel

Note: The Shabbos Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. 

1st & 2nd Aliyot: The Parsha begins with the Mitzvah of Shabbos and the penalty for her transgression. Note that Pasuk 35:5 is classic proof of the Oral Law. Those who deny the Oral Law must explain the literal translation of this verse to prohibit having any burning flame on Shabbos. This would forbid the use of lights, heat, and even Shabbos candles! It is the Oral Law which teaches us that the G-d’s prohibition was directed at lighting a fire, not having a fire. Moshe asked the Bnai Yisroel to donate the time, talents, and materials for the construction of the Mishkan [Tabernacle]. The Bnai Yisroel responded with unbridled enthusiasm.

3rd, 4th, & 5th Aliyot Talents and materials were donated and Betzallel and Oholiav were appointed as chief architects and artists. The response to Moshe’s appeal was so great that Moshe had to command the people to stop their donations! (see, miracles do happen!) The outer coverings of the Mishkan and the inner tapestries are detailed. The beams of the Mishkan, the Aron Hakodesh, and the Shulchan – Table are described.

6th & 7th Aliyot The Menorah and the inner Golden Altar are described. The outer ramped Altar, the Washstand, and the Mishkan’s surrounding enclosure are detailed.