On Bringing Sacred Gifts and Our Sacred Selves

Last week’s Torah portion, Vayakhel, opens with Moses’ gathering the entirety of the Jewish people together. After reiterating the singular importance of Shabbat observance, specifically focusing on the prohibition of lighting a fire, Moses instructs the people regarding the completion of the Mishkan, or tabernacle, commanding them to bring gifts for this purpose. The people obliged, bringing a surplus of gifts such that they were asked to cease doing so.

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