In common years like 2026, 2028, 2029, Parashat Pekudei is combined with the previous parashah, Vayakhel. It will be the case this coming Shabbat.
Parashat Pekudei, the concluding portion of the Book of Exodus, offers several contemporary lessons centered on the importance of leadership and collaborative community.
The parashah begins with a meticulous accounting of all the goods donated for the Tabernacle. The construction was led by Bezalel from the powerful tribe of Judah and Oholiab from the smaller tribe of Dan. Moses served as a guide and mentor to all of them. The parashah concludes with the final assembly of the Mishkan and the descent of the Divine Cloud.
Lesson 1: It emphasizes the crucial importance of leadership with physical, moral and mental strength. Whether in professional growth or personal development, Pekudei reminds us to seek out mentors and to offer that same guidance to others.
Lesson 2: It emphasizes the crucial importance of a roadmap that is followed by all congregants with a spirit of mission and humility. Significant projects require the talents of everyone, regardless of social status or background. When they don't know their place and how to behave, they cease to be useful.
Lesson 3: While starting a project is exciting, the act of completion (vayachal) manifests the true potential of the initial vision. There is a unique spiritual value in "finishing the job". Those who waste their time on projects that never bear fruit completely squander their lives, as if their purpose were not to contribute to the never-ending divine Creation.
Lesson 4: In modern contexts—whether in business, non-profits, or government—providing clear financial and operational reports builds lasting public trust.
In Porto, Dreyfus's granddaughter is the lady in charge for the accounts, and the community invests its energy and wealth in all dimensions of Jewish life, both nationally and internationally. Barros Basto left behind an empty temple, because the state and its press did not accept that he continued to create Jewish life. His granddaughter leaves behind a completely full temple, a priceless cemetery, and a cultural work unparalleled in Europe.
This Shabbat marks the completion of the second book of the Torah. The community is on track to complete 11 consecutive years with a minyan (a "count," sometimes of dozens or hundreds of men), in addition to possessing a second synagogue with a daily minyan. Those who dislike all of this will be truly unfortunate, as they will have nothing to do or complain about. End of story.
