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By Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik,
Kol Shearith Israel Congregation - Panama

Translated by Inés Baum - Proofreading by Ellen Zindler

The sefer Shemot (Exodus) ends with the reading of Parashat Pekudey (Accounts). The Mishkan, portable sanctuary that will accompany the Jewish people throughout the wilderness, is finally ready. The Torah offers us in this portion a minute report, describing the tasks and objects performed for the Mishkan. The phrase Ken asuh, “They made”, appears 78 times.

Despite repeating almost literally passages which appear in past chapters, Pekudey brings the novelty of Moses presenting a complete balance regarding the work performed, the offerings received, and how they were used. Even the tiniest objects, the hooks in columns and their coverings, are enlisted, proving the leader’s clear interest in rendering accounts of the people’s money.

Moses’ concern is legitimate. As chief leader, he knows that he has the responsibility of not just efficiently administering resources but that he must also show the way in which he has used them. As teacher and leader, he understands that his essential capital lies in his credibility in the eyes of the people and should therefore act accordingly. The building of the Mishkan is a broad-range economic effort. His moral integrity can not be questioned.

The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni, Pekudey 38:415) confirms Moses’ restlessness and his need to render account of the expenses. Based on a verse which apparently does not have anything to do with the subject, he finds the opportunity to express the feeling of the people and the required answer from the leader.

“When Moses went out unto the Tent, that all the people rose up, and stood, every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses…” (Ex. 33:8) Rabbi Chama says: “To criticize him. They said: ‘Look at his neck, look at his thighs, he eats from the Jews, he drinks from the Jews, and everything he possesses is of the Jews’”. His partner answered back: “Fool! Perhaps you expect the man who controlled the entire building of the Mishkan to not get wealthy?” When Moses heard thus, he said unto them: “For your lives! When the work of the Mishkan is finished, I will give you a report as it is said: ‘These are the accounts of the tabernacle’” (Ex. 38:21)

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Forwarded by Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik, from Kol Shearith Israel Congregation, Panama.
Translated by Inés Baum and proofread by Ellen Zindler, from B’nei Israel Congregation, Costa Rica.

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