On March 14, 2026, Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei was read. In this parsha, Moshe gathers the people of Israel and reminds them that they need to keep Shabbat. He then tells them G-d’s instructions to build the Mishkan, a holy place where Hashem’s presence stays among them. The people donated building materials for this structure, including gold, silver, copper, wood, oil, spices, and many others. Moshe even told them to stop donating!

In addition to the Mishkan itself, workers died building the Mishkan as well as making the ark, menorah, table, curtains, and other tools. They also made special clothes. After everything was finished, Moshe set up the Mishkan, blessed it with holy oil, and began the priesthood of Aaron and his sons. At the end of this week’s parsha, a cloud appeared over the Mishkan, which symbolized Hashem’s presence was now with the people.

This parsha is important because it teaches several key lessons for the Jewish people. First, Moshe reminds the people of Israel about the importance of keeping Shabbat, which shows that resting and holiness are important factors in relationships with G-d.

The parsha also shows how the Jewish people worked together as a community by coming together and donating many materials to build the Mishkan. This teaches the value of helping others. This parsha is still relevant today because it reminds people to work together, give abundantly, respect Shabbat, and bring holiness into their communities and daily lives.