The name of the Parshah, "Vayakhel," means "And he gathered" and it is found in Exodus 35:1.

Moses assembles the people of Israel and reiterates to them the commandment to observe the Shabbat. He then conveys Gโ€‘dโ€™s instructions regarding the making of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The people donate the required materials in abundance, bringing gold, silver and copper; blue-, purple- and red-dyed wool; goat hair, spun linen, animal skins, wood, olive oil, herbs and precious stones. Moses has to tell them to stop giving.

A team of wise-hearted artisans make the Mishkan and its furnishings (as detailed in the previous Torah readings of Terumah, Tetzaveh and Ki Tisa): three layers of roof coverings; 48 gold-plated wall panels, and 100 silver foundation sockets; the parochet (veil) that separates between the Sanctuaryโ€™s two chambers, and the masach (screen) that fronts it; the ark, and its cover with the cherubim; the table and its showbread; the seven-branched menorah with its specially prepared oil; the golden altar and the incense burned on it; the anointing oil; the outdoor altar for burnt offerings and all its implements; the hangings, posts and foundation sockets for the courtyard; and the basin and its pedestal, made out of copper mirrors.

Learn: Vayakhel in Depth
Browse: Vayakhel Parshah Columnists
Prep: Devar Torah Q&A for Vayakhel
Read: Haftarah in a Nutshell
Play: Vayakhel Parshah Quiz