Date: 9.3.26 / 20 Adar 5786 

Parsha:  Vayakhel  

What Happens in This Parsha? 

1. Moshe Gathers Everyone Together 

The parsha begins with Moshe gathering all the Israelites. The word “Vayak’hel” means “and he gathered.” 
Moshe calls everyone — men, women, leaders, and regular people — to tell them important instructions from Hashem. 

2. The Reminder About Shabbat 

Before talking about anything else, Moshe reminds the people about Shabbat: 

• They must not work on the seventh day. 

• They cannot light a fire on Shabbat. 

Hashem wants the people to know that even though they are about to build something holy (the Mishkan), Shabbat is still more important and must be kept. 

3. Moshe Explains the Building of the Mishkan 

Moshe then tells the people that Hashem wants them to help build the Mishkan, a special holy place where Hashem’s presence would rest among them. 

He explains that the Mishkan needs many materials, such as: 

• Gold, silver, and copper 

• Blue, purple, and red dyes 

• Fine linen 

• Goat hair 

• Wood 

• Oil and spices 

• Precious stones 

All of these would be used to create different parts of the Mishkan and the clothing for the Kohanim (priests). 

4. The People Are Asked to Donate 

Moshe tells the people that anyone whose heart inspires them should bring gifts for the Mishkan. 
This means that donations should be voluntary, not forced. 

Everyone listens carefully and goes back to their tents, ready to gather what they can bring. 

Key Learning Points 

1. Community Matters 

The parsha begins with Moshe gathering everyone. This teaches us that a Jewish community works best when everyone comes together to do something important. 

2. Shabbat Comes First 

Even though building the Mishkan was holy and important, Hashem still commands the people to stop working on Shabbat. 
This teaches that resting, connecting with family, and honoring Hashem on Shabbat is more important than any project. 

3. Giving with a Generous Heart 

Hashem does not force anyone to donate. Instead, He says to bring gifts from a willing heart. 
This teaches that the best kind of giving is when we choose to give, not because we have to. 

4. Everyone Has Something to Give 

Some people brought jewels, some brought wood, some brought linen, and some helped by using their skills. 
This shows that every person has something special to contribute, no matter who they are. 

Main Takeaway Lessons 

• Working together builds strong Jewish communities. 

• Shabbat is a special gift, and we show its importance by resting from work. 

• Giving generously and willingly makes mitzvot more meaningful. 

• Every person is important and can help in their own way. 

• Hashem wants us to use our hearts and talents to make the world more holy. 

Thought of Rabbi Sacks 

Rabbi Sacks’ Family Edition for Vayak’hel is titled “God’s Shadow.” 
His main message for young readers focuses on Betzalel, creativity, and beauty in serving Hashem. 

1. Betzalel as a Jewish Hero of Creativity 

Rabbi Sacks teaches that in this parsha, we meet Betzalel, the great artist of the Torah. Hashem filled Betzalel with: 

• Wisdom 

• Understanding 

• Knowledge 

• Special artistic skill 

so that he could build the Mishkan beautifully and with holiness.  

Rabbi Sacks explains that Betzalel shows us that art, beauty, and creativity can be part of serving Hashem. 

2. Judaism and the Power of Beauty 

Even though Judaism avoids making images of God, Rabbi Sacks teaches that beauty still has an important place in Judaism: 

• We use beautiful objects for mitzvot (like tallit, tefillin, menorot). 

• The Mishkan itself was made to be beautiful, inspiring people with wonder and awe. 

• Beauty can “lift the soul” and help people feel closer to Hashem.  

Rabbi Sacks explains that the Mishkan shows us how creativity and design can connect us to God. 

3. Hiddur Mitzvah — Making Mitzvot Beautiful 

Rabbi Sacks highlights the idea of hiddur mitzvah, “beautifying a mitzvah.” 

This means that when we do a mitzvah in a beautiful way — like lighting a lovely Shabbat candle or building a beautiful sukkah — we show extra love for Hashem. 
The Mishkan is the biggest example of this: people gave their best materials, talents, and effort.  

4. Everyone Has a Gift to Share 

For Rabbi Sacks, a key child‑friendly message is that everyone has unique talents that can be used for good: 

• Betzalel had artistic talent. 

• Others donated materials. 

• Still others helped by building or weaving. 

Every person had something meaningful to contribute to the Mishkan. 
Children learn that every one of us has a gift, big or small, that can help make the world holier. 

Rabbi Sacks’ Main Takeaway Lessons for Kids 

⭐ 1. Hashem gives each of us special talents. 

Just like Betzalel, every child has unique abilities that they can use to help others and bring goodness into the world. 

⭐ 2. Beauty can bring us closer to Hashem. 

Doing mitzvot in a beautiful way — with care, creativity, and love — makes the mitzvah even more special. 

⭐ 3. We build holy things by working together. 

The Mishkan was not built by one person. It took a whole community. We also create holy communities by helping one another. 

⭐ 4. Creativity is a Jewish value. 

Drawing, building, crafting, designing — these are not “extra” talents, but gifts that can be used in spiritual ways. 

Around the Shabbat Table 

1. Why do you think the Torah tells us so much about Betzalel’s artistic skills? What does that teach us about our own talents? 

Suggested Answer: 
The Torah highlights Betzalel to show that creativity and artistic ability are holy gifts, just like being wise or kind. Rabbi Sacks teaches that Hashem gave Betzalel wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and artistic skill to build the Mishkan beautifully. This reminds us that every person has unique talents, and we can use whatever we’re good at to help others and serve Hashem.  

2. Why was the Mishkan designed to be beautiful? Isn’t Judaism more about words than pictures? 

Suggested Answer: 
Yes, Judaism focuses on words, not images — but Rabbi Sacks explains that beauty still matters, especially when it helps us feel awe and closeness to Hashem. The Mishkan, with its colors, shapes, and craftsmanship, was meant to inspire admiration and uplift the soul. It teaches the idea of hiddur mitzvah — making our mitzvot beautiful to show love and care.  

3. The people brought many different donations and skills to build the Mishkan. What does this teach us about being part of a community? 

Suggested Answer: 
The building of the Mishkan shows that a holy community is created when everyone contributes something. Some brought gold, some wove fabric, and some built — just like today, every person has something important to offer. Rabbi Sacks teaches that when we work together, using our different abilities, we build something greater than we could alone. It’s a lesson in teamwork, generosity, and unity

Parsha summary adapted from Chabad.org and Rabbi Sacks Legacy

The weekly mitzvot are adapted from the PAJES Primary Parashat Hashavua Curriculum, and form the basis of the school's PSHE curriculum for all pupils alongside the Torah, Well Being and Me curriculum.