Rabbi Danny Rich
4th March 2011

Parashat P’kudei is the concluding section of the Book of Exodus (38:21-40:38) and tells of the completion of the construction of the Tabernacle, the making of the priestly vestments, and the dedication of this mobile House of God whose appearance is signified by cloud or fire. In addition to the temporal leadership of Moses which is evident now and in the rest of the Torah, cultic leadership is vested in Moses’ brother, Aaron, and all members of the Levitical family, all of whom will have a uniform in which to carry out their various functions.· Chapter 39 contains a reminder of the complex and colourful accoutrements of High Priest Aaron in particular.· The next and final chapter records the first formal use of the priestly garments as the tabernacle is dedicated in an impressive opening ceremony.  Read more