This week's double portion of Vayakhel-P'kudei concludes the Book of Exodus. For the last several weeks, we have been learning about how the portable Tabernacle-a dwelling place for God- and its sacred objects will be constructed. Finally, in these last two portions, the structure is built, all of the donated items are accounted for, it passes inspection and it is consecrated. The Book of Exodus ends with God's presence, in the form of a cloud, descending upon and filling the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle, in Hebrew 'Mishkan,' was built from the freewill donations of the entire community, and was crafted and constructed by a man named Bezalel.
Rabbi Harold Kushner teaches that Bezalel is taken to mean 'in God's shadow.' A midrash inspired by the name Bezalel and his model of leadership and craftsmanship suggests the following, again, as taught by Kushner: "A person's 'name' we are told, is based on the reputation of his parents and family. But one can go only so far based on inherited merit. A person then acquires a second 'name,' based on his or her communal activity. But community based reputation can be the result of superficial factors, so ultimately it is only our living a good life that establishes our name." (Etz Hayim p. 555)
Tonight we celebrate two extraordinary individuals who live up to their names. We can assume that Grant Perry and Marla Shwarts come from good families; however, we've come to know them through their communal activity that so beautifully support our temple in particular and the larger community in general. Through their good works each has earned an exemplary reputation that is beyond measure. And yes; each lives a good, holy, and mitzvah driven life that shines brightly upon their reputations and their lives.
Like Bezalel, they live in God's shadow, in God's presence. There, they are protected by God, and inspired by God to do great things, like building community, building structures, adding their creative touch to our holy endeavor.
Tonight during our Shabbat service, we will bestow the 5777 Zebulon Awards to Grant and Marla, recognizing them for their years of selfless service to our community.
Join us tonight at 7:30 as we honor them and celebrate their contributions to Temple Beth El.
