“And the work they had done was enough to accomplish all of the work and more.” Many of the tzaddikim address a seeming contradiction in this pasuk. The verse begins by stating that the contributions given toward the Mishkan were simply “dayum”, enough, but ends with “v’hoser”, implying that they were in fact more than enough. Which was it? Were the contributions enough, or too much? Perhaps we may suggest an answer founded upon an important foundation in avodas Hashem.…

“For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day shall be holy, Shabbos shabbason to Hashem…” Once the Mishkan and its vessels had been outlined, it had come time to begin to assemble this glorious dwelling place for the Shechina. Before the construction to actualize the divine blueprint began, Moshe Rabbeinu reminded the Jewish nation that no work was to be performed on Shabbos. “Sheishes yamim tei’aseh melacha, uv’yom hashvi’i yihyeh lachem kodesh, Shabbos Shabbason la’Shem” –…

Parshas Vayakhel deals exclusively with the construction of the various parts of the Mishkan with the exception of one, seemingly unrelated, commandment. Before introducing the opportunity for each and every member of the Jewish nation to contribute materials and skills toward this national project, Moshe Rabbeinu commands klal Yisrael once more regarding Shabbos, saying, “For six days, work may be done, but the seventh day shall be holy for you, Shabbos for Hashem.” On a simple level, Chazal explain that…