Ramban on the Parsha | Rabbi Shlomo Friedman (Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh)

In Parshas Vayakhel, the Torah records the gathering of the nation to begin the construction of the Mishkan. The Ramban explains that Moshe specifically gathered the entire congregation, including the women and children, because everyone participated in the donations (Shemos 35:1). Although the command to build the Mishkan was originally given before the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe understood on his own that the command remained in effect once Hashem renewed His covenant and restored His original love and closeness to the Jewish people (Shemos 33:14). When the Torah introduces the laws of Shabbos by saying "these are the things Hashem commanded to do," the Ramban teaches that "doing" refers to the labor of the Mishkan, which is permitted for six days but strictly forbidden on Shabbos (Shemos 35:1-2). This reveals that the Mishkan does not set aside the sanctity of Shabbos. The Torah describes the unique motivation of those who built the Mishkan as "those whose hearts lifted them" (Shemos 35:21). The Ramban explains that since no one among the people had been trained in professional craftsmanship or art, they had to rely on a hidden natural talent and a deep inner desire to succeed in Hashem's service. Regarding the contributions, the women were the first to come forward with their jewelry, including the copper mirrors used in Egypt to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people (Shemos 38:8). While Moshe initially hesitated to use items associated with physical desire, Hashem told him these mirrors were most precious of all because they were used for a holy purpose. At a deeper level, the repetitive nature of these passages expresses Hashem’s great love for the Mishkan, similar to how the Torah lengthens the story of Eliezer to show its' importance (Bereishis 24:1). Finally, on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the Mishkan was established permanently; although Moshe had spent the previous seven days of the Miluim training the Leviim by putting it up and taking it down daily, the eighth day marked the final resting of the Shechinah among the people (Shemos 40:2). AI-Generated Summary (AI can be inaccurate. Check important information.)