Community Torah Corner - March 13, 2026 — Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei

Our parasha is Vayakhel-Pekudei. Yup, we got two. AND we’re presenting on Friday the 13. Also it’s Shabbat HaChodesh. They love us here.

In Vayakhel, Moshe highlights Betzalel and Ohaliav, the main builders of the Mishkan, and the actual building process begins. Our quote is from Vayakhel:

וְהַמְּלָאכָה הָיְתָה דַיָּם לְכׇל־הַמְּלָאכָה לַעֲשׂוֹת אֹתָהּ וְהוֹתֵר

Now, what does that mean? A very good question that you didn’t ask. It means: the Israelites’ efforts had been more than enough for all the tasks to be done to build the mishkan. A bit out of character for them, no? I mean, since when do the Israelites do work? They clearly learned from the golden calf incident. However, they still found a way to mess it up.  After the Golden Calf situation, though, maybe they were trying to do better. And they definitely did, maybe a little too much. Moshe literally had to tell them to stop bringing offerings.

It’s like when you do that one group project and one person does it all in one night before you get to do anything. Have you ever heard of the saying “too many cooks in the kitchen?" No? Neither did Clara. It basically means when too many people are involved, things can get messed up.

The Orach Chaim says:
מרבים העם להביא

The people were bringing too much.

And then:

דים…והותר

Sufficient and too much.

So which is it? Was it sufficient, or was it too much? Basically, they did too much but then the Torah says it is good. What? First it’s too much; but then, that's ok. But if the people brought too much, why, in the next pasuk, does it say that it was sufficient. Because how can it be sufficient and too much at the same time? Life lesson. Work smarter not harder. They brought a lot, so they didn't have to bring a couple things every time for a long time!

What is the message of this? Good question that you didn't ask, again. Something about following directions. Stay in school kids, you learn how to follow directions. It sounds like the Israelites should’ve gone to school.

There’s actually an important lesson here. Sometimes we think that “more” is always better. More effort, more materials, more talking, more doing. But the Torah might be teaching us that what really matters is balance. Do what is needed, not too little, but not too much either.

As students, this connects to our lives a lot. In school projects, sports, or even friendships, we have to know how to contribute the right amount. Not doing enough isn’t good but taking over or overdoing it isn’t always helpful either. Work smarter, not harder. At the same time, we shouldn’t ignore something important: the people cared. They gave so much because they wanted to build something holy.

The torah actually says: “Gold, and silver, and brass; and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair; and rams' skins dyed red, and sealskins, and acacia-wood; and oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense; and oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. The plaited garments, for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office. And the altar of incense, and its staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle.” Honestly, no wonder they brought so much.

Thank you.