Parshah Columnists - Pekudei

Any relationship can be sparked by infatuation, and it’s easy to get caught up in a moment of intense feelings. But for a relationship to endure, one has to relish and savor it, day after day, week after week, etc.

When the Jewish nation was still very, very young, we began setting aside materials for our own marital home. Our wedding was still hundreds of years, and hundreds of miles, away . . .

Was Moses really suspected of making a profit on the communal collection?

Which question do we hate to ask ourselves, yet know we must?

Moses, the lead contractor, was understandably relieved to have finished the job, up to spec, on budget and on time. He could have been forgiven had he taken some time off for R&R but he had one last responsibility to complete before inaugurating the structure: he published a detailed accounting of every single last cent that had been solicited and spent on the project.

If we fail to give the body regular exercise, it can easily malfunction and put us at risk of serious illness. The question is: does the same apply to the soul, the spirit, the mind?

There must be transparency and accountability when it comes to public funds even if the people involved have impeccable reputations.

That is our mission, to make this finite world into a home for G‑d, who is infinite.

Parshat Pekudei gives an account of all the donations to the construction of the Mishkan and how they were used.