Weekly Sidra: Vayakhel (and he assembled)
Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 35:1–38:20
Haftorah: Melechim alef / 1 Kings 7:13–26

Vayakhel, Wayyaqhel, VaYakhel, Va-Yakhel, Vayak’hel, Vayak’heil, or Vayaqhel (וַיַּקְהֵל – Hebrew for "and he assembled,” the first word in the parshah) is the 22nd weekly Torah portion (parshah) in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the 10th in the book of Exodus. It constitutes Exodus 35:1–38:20. Jews in the Diaspora read it the 22nd Sabbath after Simchat Torah, generally in March. In leap years (for example, 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2019), parshah Vayakhel is read separately. In common years (for example, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2018), parshah Vayakhel is combined with the next parshah, Pekudei, to help achieve the number of weekly readings needed.

The twenty-second reading from the Torah and the second-to-last reading from the book of Exodus is called Vayakhel (ויקהל), which means “and he assembled.” The name comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which could be literally translated to read, “And Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel …” (Exodus 35:1). This portion from the Torah describes how the assembly of Israel worked together to build the Tabernacle. In most years, synagogues read Vayakhel together with the following portion.

Commandments: According to Maimonides and Sefer ha-Chinuch, there is one negative commandment in the parshah: The court must not inflict punishment on the Sabbath. (Exodus 35:3.)

Weekly Sidra: Pekudei (amounts of)
Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 38:21–40:38
Haftorah: Melechim alef / 1 Kings 7:40–50

Pekudei, Pekude, Pekudey, P’kude, or P’qude (פקודי — Hebrew for "amounts of,” the second word, and the first distinctive word, in the parshah) is the 23rd weekly Torah portion (parshah) in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the 11th and last in the book of Exodus. It constitutes Exodus 38:21–40:38. Jews in the Diaspora read it the 22nd or 23rd Sabbath after Simchat Torah, generally in March. In common years (for example, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2018), parshah Pekudei is combined with the previous parshah, Vayakhel, to help achieve the needed number of weekly readings.

The twenty-third reading from the Torah and last reading from the book of Exodus is called Pekudei (פקודי), which means “Accounts.” The first words of the first verse of the reading could be literally translated to read, “These are the accounts (pekudei) of the Tabernacle” (Exodus 38:21). The last reading from Exodus begins with an audit of how the contributions for the Tabernacle were used. The portion goes on to describe the completion of the Tabernacle and its assembly and concludes by depicting the glory of the LORD entering it. In most years, synagogues read Pekudei together with the previous portion, Vayakhel; therefore, the comments on this week’s reading will be brief.

Commandments: According to Maimonides and Sefer ha-Chinuch, there are no commandments in the parshah.

Note: On the Shabbat the Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person "goes up" to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading. Here are this week`s aliyot:

1st Aliya: The Parsha begins with the Mitzvah of Shabbat 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 Shabbat. This would forbid the use of lights, heat, and even Shabbat candles! Moshe asked the Bnai Yisrael to donate the time, talents, and materials for the construction of the Mishkan. The Bnai Yisrael responded with unbridled enthusiasm.

2nd Aliya: 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.

3rd & 4th Aliyot: The Menorah and the inner Golden Altar are described. The outer ramped Altar, the Washstand, and the Mishkan’s surrounding enclosure are detailed. Pekudei begins with an accounting of the materials used in the construction of the Mishkan. (gold = 4,386.5 lb./ silver = 15,088.75 lb./ copper = 10,620 lb.)

5th & 6th Aliyot: The Kehen Gadol’s breastplate and vest are described. The remaining garments of the Kehen Gadol and the other Kohanim are detailed, and Moshe inspects the completed Mishkan. Moshe certifies that the entire project followed the exact details of Hashem’s instructions. Moshe blesses the workers.

7th Aliya: On the 1st day of Nissan, 2449, the Mishkan was assembled. After every vessel was properly in place, the presence of Hashem, the Shechina, descended in a cloud and filled the Mishkan.