This week’s Torah reading marks the end of the Book of Exodus and deals with the planning and construction of the Tabernacle. What could be more important than the construction of the Tabernacle, where the Jewish people are to meet God through sacrificial service? It turns out there is one thing that is more important: Shabbat. The portion begins with these words, ”Moses then convoked the whole Israelite community and said to them: These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do:  On six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord;” (Exodus 35:1-2) Even before they are told what they must do to build the Tabernacle the Jews are instructed that they must keep the Sabbath. All tasks, even the most holy, have limits. How much the more so in the more mundane aspects of our daily lives.  This week’s portion reminds us that we must take time to rest, reflect, and refresh ourselves. When we do that we can bring the best of ourselves to the other tasks of our lives.

~Rabbi Dean

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