Summary of parashat Vaiakhél
Moses gathers the people of Israel and reiterates the commandment to observe Shabbat. He then conveys to them the Divine commandment to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
The people donate the required materials in abundance, bringing gold, silver, copper, wool dyed blue, purple, and red, goat hair, linen, animal hides, wood, olive oil, herbs, and precious stones. Moshe is forced to ask them to stop bringing.
A group of “wise-hearted” artisans construct the Mishkan and its furnishings (as detailed in the preceding Torah sections of Terumah, Tetzaveh, and Ki Tisa): three layers of roof-like covering; 48 gold-covered panels for the walls; 100 silver bases for the foundation; the Parochet (curtain) separating the two inner rooms of the Sanctuary and the Masach (screen) at the front; the Ark and its covering with the Cherubim; the Table and the Bread of Faces; the seven-branched Menorah with its specially prepared oil; the Golden Altar and the incense burned on it; the Anointing Oil; the Outer Altar for burnt offerings and all its utensils; the curtains, posts, and bases for the Courtyard; and the Kior for ritual washing, along with its pedestal, made of copper mirrors.
