The two short parashiyot of VaYakhel and Pekudei are usually read together, but are separate during Jewish leap years.
Parashat VaYakhel seems a bit repetitive, telling the story of the actual building of the Mishkan. If it seems familiar, it is because it describes the people actually putting into effect the instructions we've already heard before. At Moses's bidding, the people bring all the materials required and the craftsmen begin to do the work. But, before the work even begins, everyone is reminded again to maintain Shabbat, emphasizing especially the prohibition against kindling fire. One notable aspect of VaYakhel is that the craftsmen working on the Mishkan tell Moses when the people have submitted enough material for construction, and that Moses then tells the Israelites to stop contributing to their ‘building fund.’
Parashat Pekudei is the final portion of the Book of Exodus. Pekudei begins with Moses' full accounting of all the materials used in the construction of the Mishkan. He first inventories the building materials themselves, and then continues with the vestments of the Priests. Once all the work is completed according to God's instructions, Moses inspects the Mishkan and blesses the people. The Mishkan is then assembled for the first time, and the Divine Presence, manifest as a cloud, fills the Sanctuary, serving as a guide for the people.
