There are things the Lord has commanded you to do.

Published: Tue, 03/10/26

Updated: Tue, 03/10/26

"Moses assembled the whole Israelite community and said to them, “These are the things the Lord has commanded you to do: For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a day of sabbath rest to the Lord... Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”

Exodus 35:1-3

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Hi friend,

This coming Shabbat's Torah portion, read on Saturday, March 14th, is Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei. In this week’s portion, Vayakhel-Pekudei, Moses gathers the Jews and relays to them all the details regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, its vessels, and the priestly garments. The actual construction and assembly is also described. This portion repeats many of the details described in the portions of Terumah and Tetzaveh, wherein G‑d instructed Moses regarding the assembly of all these objects. The Tabernacle is erected, and G‑d’s presence dwells therein.

Join us in exploring the Weekly Bible Chapter: The Irony of Balaam’s Blindness by Erica Brown with Rabbi Avraham Norin, and let’s learn and reflect together!

Please enjoy this teaching of our beloved Root Source teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz of blessed memory, about this week's Torah portion, Vayakhel Pikudei, and share your thoughts with us!

Participate in our enlightening lesson Rabbi Yisrael Wende talked about Lesson 5: Why Seven? Watch it below.

Check below to hear what Gidon Ariel and Richard Booker have to share. Watch it below.

We sign off with a nice comment and a beautiful photo of Jerusalem, Israel.

Shalom,

Gidon Ariel and Bob O’Dell
Root Source Founders

Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei

On the day after Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the Second Tablets, after successfully securing atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf, he gathered all the Jewish people. The primary purpose of this assembly was to inform the Jews of G‑d’s desire for a Sanctuary to be constructed. He began, however, with a brief reminder regarding the observance of the Shabbat. This was followed by a description of the materials needed to construct the Tabernacle, and a list of the vessels, Tabernacle parts, and priestly garments which were to be produced. The men and women came forward and generously donated all the materials which Moses enumerated.

Weekly Bible Chapter: The Irony of Balaam’s Blindness by Erica Brown

Balaam’s donkey not only refused to cross the angel’s path, she began to speak, protesting Balaam’s harsh treatment. Balaam retorts that had he possessed a sword he would kill the animal. There is irony in this response; the prophet set to destroy an entire nation with words could not control one relatively harmless animal. It is the angel in the story who possesses the sword, and it is the angel who poses a threat.

Parashat Vayakhel Pikudei:

Understanding Shabbat: The Creative Pause

Though building the Tabernacle was sacred work, it remained forbidden on Shabbat. The thirty-nine categories of prohibited work on Shabbat derive from the activities performed in constructing the Tabernacle, establishing a framework where what matters is not how much we strain, but how we participate in the ongoing work of creation. Melakha (work) represents humanity’s ability to impose meaningful change upon the world—turning raw materials into refined objects, reshaping nature according to our intentions.

Learn here

Lesson 5: Why Seven?

What is the meaning of the number seven in Judaism and why are there seven commandments of Noah

Learn here!

Conversations:
Gidon Ariel and Richard Booker - February 9, 2026

Gidon and Richard discussed their shared faith in God’s fulfillment of Bible prophecy, with Richard expressing 100% confidence in divine prophecy while Gidon expressed caution about the concept of absolute certainty. They also discussed an upcoming President’s Day forum where Richard will speak about Irena Sendler, a Holocaust hero who saved 2,500 Jewish children, and Richard shared details about his upcoming presentation which will include other panelists like Rabbi Chaim Eisen and Dr. John Garr. The conversation concluded with updates about Gidon’s family, including his daughter-in-law’s studies and upcoming travel plans.

Watch the video

Comments

We get so many comments!
Here is one from Chris Ball on Root Source:

"I love the wisdom and understanding the Lord has given you, Gidon. It’s very beautiful and wonderful. You have deep spiritual insight. I’m not saying that to puff you up or flatter you; it’s very cool to see how God uses you and speaks through you. I love the Jewish gift of Holy Spirit enlightenment; it’s totally awesome. You have wonderful gifts."

Jerusalem, Israel

Enjoy this photo of Jerusalem, Israel by Benjamin R.

Blessings and Shalom,
Bob and Gidon

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