Moses then convoked the whole Israelite community… (Exodus 34:1). Reading closely, numerous biblical commentators have added their explanations of this verse. Here are a few highlights:
- Rashi (11th c. France): [This occurs] on the day after the Day of Atonement, on which he had come down the mountain.
- Rashbam: (12th c. France): The reason for convoking the whole community is] to get the half-shekel per head from them, and also to give them the commandments about the Tabernacle.
- Nachmanides (13th c. Catalan): The convocation included both men and women, for they all contributed to the construction of the Tabernacle.
These comments frame important issues for us even now. Immediately upon receiving the Torah, the whole community is to gather together, to ensure that everyone contributes even a very small amount to the building of the sacred shrine which will hold and protect the Torah. And while some parts of the text refer only to the men, Nachmanides emphasizes that all are included in this holy opportunity.
But it is the Bekhor Shor (12th c. France) who sounds the most like someone who might write today, explaining that the reason the entire community was gathered was “so that no one would be able to complain, ‘We did not have a chance to contribute, because we were not told until those who knew had already contributed everything necessary.’” When only a small group of people “in the know,” are privy to essential information and opportunities, other people are robbed not only of status but of the chance to contribute their talents, perspectives and resources.
Next month the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) will kick off our Every Voice, Every Vote campaign, a non-partisan project to enable all who are eligible to vote to do so. As the current administration is implementing numerous insidious and calculated efforts to make voting more difficult for many people, this campaign is a vital way to fight for democracy. Please join me online for the kickoff to the campaign on April 15 at 4pm PT. Click here to register.
With prayers for peace and commitment to shared pursuit of justice,
Rabbi Julie
Vayahkhel-Pekudei (Exodus 35:1-40:38) Torah Reading Mar. 14, 2026: Getting EVERYONE Together
March 13, 2026 by Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller • D'var Torah
Moses then convoked the whole Israelite community… (Exodus 34:1). Reading closely, numerous biblical commentators have added their explanations of this verse. Here are a few highlights:
These comments frame important issues for us even now. Immediately upon receiving the Torah, the whole community is to gather together, to ensure that everyone contributes even a very small amount to the building of the sacred shrine which will hold and protect the Torah. And while some parts of the text refer only to the men, Nachmanides emphasizes that all are included in this holy opportunity.
But it is the Bekhor Shor (12th c. France) who sounds the most like someone who might write today, explaining that the reason the entire community was gathered was “so that no one would be able to complain, ‘We did not have a chance to contribute, because we were not told until those who knew had already contributed everything necessary.’” When only a small group of people “in the know,” are privy to essential information and opportunities, other people are robbed not only of status but of the chance to contribute their talents, perspectives and resources.
Next month the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) will kick off our Every Voice, Every Vote campaign, a non-partisan project to enable all who are eligible to vote to do so. As the current administration is implementing numerous insidious and calculated efforts to make voting more difficult for many people, this campaign is a vital way to fight for democracy. Please join me online for the kickoff to the campaign on April 15 at 4pm PT. Click here to register.
With prayers for peace and commitment to shared pursuit of justice,
Rabbi Julie