Vayakhel-Pekudei
Exodus 35:1-40:38
The public reading of the Torah this week features two portions that are thematically related. They speak of the fulfillment of the instructions given to Moses with respect to the Tabernacle and all of its accompanying articles.
The actual instructions were laid out in the portions of Terumah and Tetzaveh, which we read a couple of weeks back. There is one major factor that God introduces in this week’s double portion. It is the assignment of leadership to ensure the success of the project.
“Moses said to the Children of Israel, ‘See, God has called by name Betzalel son of Uri, son of Chur, of the tribe of Judah.’” (Exodus 35:30) Moses had informed the people that God had a particular individual whom he wanted to appoint for this operation. In fact, the language of “called by name” indicates that it was not just hinted at by God, but that God actually chose Betzalel as the chief architect.
And what of Betzalel’s qualifications for the task at hand? The text tells us, “I have filled him with a godly spirit, with wisdom, discernment and knowledge, and with all of the skills.” God does not rely on the natural talent of Betzalel. He actually endows him with everything necessary to lead the effort. The verses continue listing the crafts, which include stone cutting, metal work (with gold, silver and copper) and even carpentry. (Exodus 35:31-33)
Building the Tabernacle was certainly a formidable task, and God did not stop at the appointment of just one leader. He also directly designated the second in command. Ohaliav, son of Achisamach, was appointed from the tribe of Dan. The verses have subtle nuances that suggest that there was a clear hierarchy and that Ohaliav was subservient to Betzalel.
“He filled them with wisdom of the heart to do all of the crafts of carving, designing and embroidery with the turquoise, purple and scarlet wool, and the linen, and to weave; the doers of every craft and designers of every design.” (Exodus 35:35) The skills that were necessary for the tapestry and the vestments of the priests were not just given to Ohaliav, but the pronoun “them” suggests that Betzalel was blessed with those talents as well.
There was one other ability that was granted to Betzalel as well as Ohaliav: “And to instruct he placed in his heart, he as well as Ohaliav son of Achisamach of the tribe of Dan.” (Exodus 35:34)
It is one thing for a person to have the talent to produce great work. It is a completely different skill to be able to instruct or teach others how to use their own abilities.
Betzalel was a great-great-nephew of Moses himself. God was going to imbue him with everything necessary to accomplish the work, but Betzalel was also part of the leading family and was a beneficiary of the great merit accrued by his great-grandmother, Miriam, as well as that of his grandfather, Chur. Just to remind ourselves, Chur played a significant role just after the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. He was one of the two people who held up Moses’ hands during the battle with Amalek, and he was also appointed with Aaron to manage the people while Moses left for Mount Sinai.
According to a midrash in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 7), Chur actually attempted to stop the building of the golden calf. The midrash states that he was murdered by the perpetrators of the grievous sin, and hence, he is no longer mentioned. It is possible that granting such a prestigious position to Betzalel was a way to recognize Chur’s sacrifice.
There is another question that one could raise with respect to the choice of Betzalel. He is introduced as the son of Uri, who was the son of Chur. Why would God skip down to a younger generation and not enlist Uri as the chief architect of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
According to what was discussed in the midrash about the fate of Chur, it is possible that God did not want to have Uri because he was in a state of mourning for the loss of his father. The Tabernacle was the holiest place for the Israelites and should be constructed with great simcha, or jubilation. A mourner is not supposed to participate in such joy during the year of mourning for a parent. Betzalel was only a grandson and not required to observe the rituals of mourning.
In general, the observance of mitzvot should be done with joy. We can all learn that lesson from the appointment of Betzalel to this great opportunity he was given to serve God.