Vayakhel Videos

Do you define yourself by who you are, or by what you do?

A taste of Shazak Parsha, where the weekly Torah portion comes alive! Geared for kids... Great for adults!

Jono reports live on location in front of a backdrop of Antarctica to demonstrate the need to take our Judaism with us everywhere. And Gefilte Fish wears a bow tie. Just watch the video...

Determination, obstinacy and ambition are essential attitudes for striving to reach one’s spiritual goals. But if a good stiff neck is not tempered by humility, then it becomes very difficult to move one’s head.

Topics include: Why G‑d created the world with language, the lid of the ark as a metaphor for the human heart, and the importance of living an “integrated” lifestyle.

A new and deeply personal appreciation of Shabbat emerges as we examine: (a) the nature of work forbidden on Shabbat; (b) the connection between Shabbat and the construction of the Sanctuary; (c) why the Torah singles out the prohibition of kindling a fire to teach something novel about the Shabbat labors. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 36, parshas Vayakhel)

On Shabbat work is forbidden. But what defines work? The Torah defines work as any of the activities that were required for the construction or function of the Mishkan, the Divine Sanctuary. This class will explain the deeper connection between Shabbat and the Mishkan, and thereby outline the Divine template for a meaningful life. (Maamar, Vayakhel Moshe 5714)

A deeper meaning to why the copper wash-basin in the Temple was made from mirrors used by the Jewish women to beautify themselves throughout their slavery in Egypt.

“Six days shall you work…” How does one actually rest on Shabbat?

The name of each Torah portion contains the central theme and lesson for the respective portion. Comparing and contrasting the names Vayakhel and Pekudei crystilize two crucial life perspectives.

In the beginning of this week's portion, Moses gathers the Jews together and tells them (Exodus 35:1): "These are the things that G-d commands to do." In this verse, the word "to do" (la'asot) is missing the letter vav. How does our labor during the work week "fill in" this missing vav?

Why are these portions that talk all about building the Tabernacle also the context for learning about a day of rest? What is the connection between observing Shabbat and making a place for G-d's presence to dwell?

The parshah of Vayakhel contains 122 verses and the mnemonic for it is the word ‘Senuah’. Explore the coded message in this Masoretic note and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

The Torah’s gives a glowing description of the women’s exceptional contributions towards constructing the Mishkan—highlighting the feminine superiority of faith. This class also uncovers intriguing nuggets on the art of spinning goat-hair, a ghost-written prayer, and the special connection to Rosh Chodesh.

In a frenetic world that seems to suck out our souls, how do we maximize the Shabbat experience to get energized for the whole week?

This class examines the Torah’s criticism of the Jewish leaders in the desert for appearing sluggish in their contributions to the building of the Tabernacle. Rashi, in his analysis of this story, teaches us a fundamental lesson in leadership. Based on Lekutei Sichos 12)

The final law in the Rambam’s laws on constructing the Beis HaMikdash addresses the daily pre-dawn inspection by the Kohanim with torches in their hands. The exception is Shabbos, where they inspected with stationed lamps to avoid a rabbinic prohibition. Delve into the depths of this halacha. (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 21 Vayakhel, sicha 1)

After their terrible downfall with the golden calf, the Jewish people had to come together, pick up the pieces and move forward to implement the command to build a home for G-d.

If Shabbat is such a beautiful gift, why are there so many rules and restrictions, which can be seen as a big burden?

All of Israel were instructed to contribute toward the Mishkan, yet the leaders of the twelve tribes waited to donate after the rest of the nation.

In last week’s class, the basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter were explored on multi-levels: physical, psychological, spiritual and the Divine. This class will continue to develop this theme together with the implications and lessons for our daily lives. (Based on Maamar Vayakhel Moshe 5714)

The uppermost covering of the Divine Sanctuary, the Mishkan, was the hide of a creature the Torah identifies as the 'Tachash'. The Sages disagree as to what type of creature it was, but all agree that it existed only then and that its hide was multicolored. This class will address Rashi's commentary on the subject and reveal the profound spiritual message contained therein. (Likutei Sichos vol. 31)

The High Priest's apron-like garment called the "ephod" had gems over the shoulder straps with the names of the twelve tribes engraved in them. The classical sources differ as to the order in which the tribes were named on the jewels. A spiritual interpretation of these opinions is that they describe two kinds of Jewish unity. (Based on Likutei Sichos, vol. 36.)

An analysis of the final chapter of Hilchos Beis Habechirah, which details the design of the Beis Hamikdosh, leaves us with a deeply moving insight into what transforms a house into a home. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 21 Vayakhel sicha 1)

We find a discrepancy in the sequence of instructions to build the mishkan. Presented is a mystical understanding of the order of three things G-d conveys to Moses differently from how Moses instructed the people: resting on Shabbat, building the structure, and making the vessels.

The prohibition on Shabbat to light a flame is explicitly stated in the Torah, different than the other 39 categories of forbidden labor, which are only implicitly derived from the labors performed in the construction of the mishkan. Why does the Torah single out kindling a fire?

The most sacred and powerful service in the Holy Temple was the offering of the Ketoret incenses (even transcending the animal sacrifices). Explore the mystical dimension of this exceptional offering of anomic fragrances that have the transformative properties.

In just two words, the Torah illustrates a full chronology of key events in early Jewish history, according to Rashi’s fascinating insight.

Two important lessons for life that Rashi derives from the production of the Mishkan: 1) Use your talents well; 2) Be kind to all.

“Here’s what G-d told me to tell you”, Moses says. Rashi highlights an intriguing detail about Moses’ involvement in building the Mishkan-sanctuary in the desert.

The Mishkan has two distinct elements that reflect the two distinct ways in which we connect to G-d. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 16 Vayakhel)

Why the leaders of the Tribes delayed donating to the Mishkan. A fundamental lesson in leadership.

Make a food craft of sweet Shabbat Candles for a tasty dessert.

When paying taxes, few people offer to contribute more than required. However by the construction of the Mishkan, the tabernacle, the Jews donated well beyond what was needed, why?

According to Jewish law, one must wash each morning before prayers just like the priests would wash before performing their service in the Holy Temple. What is the difference between washing for holiness and washing for purity? (Based on Likutei Sichos vol. 31, p. 184.)