Vayakhel – Pikudei - Second Chances and Pause

In the initial part of Parshas Vayakhel, Moshe receives the directive to gather the nation and communicate the particulars of the Mishkan’s construction. The Ramban points out that this gathering took place on the day after Moshe descended from Har Sinai, where he received the second set of Luchos. Hashem had granted forgiveness to the Jewish nation for the sin of the golden calf, and with the delivery of the second set of Luchos, He established a renewed covenant with them. Therefore, Moshe gathered the men and women to inform them of the laws related to the construction of the Mishkan, which would be the dwelling place for the Divine Presence.

Before addressing the laws of construction, Moshe emphasizes the Mitzva of Shabbos. The scripture articulates, "For six days work shall be done, and the seventh day shall be holy for you." Rashi and various other commentaries explain, "The prohibition of Shabbat was introduced before the command about the Mishkan's construction to convey that the construction of the Mishkan does not take precedence over Shabbos.”  Perhaps we can discover another reason for the juxtaposition of Shabbos and the Mishkan in this context.

Second Chance

Let us envision the scenario at Har Sinai. Moshe returns with the original Luchos and finds the nation involved in the sin of the golden calf. Shevet Levi heeds Moshe’s call to action and executes the idolaters. Hashem threatens to destroy the nation, prompting Moshe to ascend the mountain once more to intercede for their forgiveness. He returns on the 10th of Tishrei with the announcement that Hashem has granted forgiveness to the nation. The very next day, as if to signify Hashem’s renewed bond with the Jewish nation, Moshe instructs them on the building of the Mishkan. The anxiety and tension felt by the nation between the 17th of Tammuz and the 10th of Tishrei must have been extraordinary. A nation that had soared to the heights of greatness, defiled itself with sin, only to rise again to its former glory, with Hashem commanding the construction of the Mishkan to dwell among His people.

A key takeaway from this episode is the notion of second chances. A person should not be defined by their lowest point. While it is true that the repercussions of the golden calf sin will be felt for generations, Hashem did not reject His people. He welcomed us back. As a nation, we were granted a second chance. As human beings, we are inherently imperfect. Each of us has erred in our actions, thoughts, or words. We certainly cherish the opportunity to regain the favor of those we have wronged. However, do we extend to others the second chance they may require? Certainly, in cases of abuse, we must take all necessary precautions to protect ourselves. Nevertheless, in general circumstances, if someone wrongs us, even if it is intentional, with genuine remorse, that individual should be afforded a second chance. There is often a reason or explanation for their behavior.

Shabbos, Take a Break

Six days a week, we are called to be industrious. It is not only about making a livelihood or driving carpools. We Jews find ourselves consistently engaged throughout the week in various acts of chessed. Consider the multitude of organizations established to assist fellow Jews in any circumstance. We have Hatzalah, Chaveirim, and Bikur Cholim, to name just a few. Exceptions are granted to facilitate various activities associated with these services. Consequently, one might reasonably conclude that the construction of the Mishkan and all it symbolizes would take precedence over the laws of Shabbos. Yet the Torah makes it unequivocally clear that on Shabbos, one must halt all work. No creative actions may be undertaken, even for a cause as significant as the Mishkan.

Several years ago, I mentioned to my wife that I could not fathom life without Shabbos. We were enjoying our Shabbos meal when I observed my non-Jewish neighbors going about their daily routines. I realized that without Shabbos, one day merges into the next, month into month, and year into year. Of course, it is intended to be a day devoted to spiritual pursuits. It also presents an opportunity to assess an individual’s goals and aspirations. Many individuals spend more time in shul on Shabbos than they do during the remainder of the week. It is a relaxed time when people engage socially, making it an ideal time to assess and mend relationships.

Moshe assembles the people to convey that they have been afforded a second opportunity. Hashem intends to rest His Shechina among the nation. However, Moshe cautions the people that on Shabbos, there is a hard stop. When utilized appropriately, it can serve as a weekly reset and the beginning of a second (or third…) opportunity. As we enter Shabbos, let us pause, reflect, and extend a second chance to others, and through this merit, may Hashem grant us the second chance that we all desire.