Parashat Vayahkhel: Shabbat – the sign of connection

• Published date: 08 March 2024
• Author: RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Just before Moses ordered the collection of donations, he instructed the Israelites with a commandment that at first glance seems unrelated to the Mishkan: observing Shabbat

"Six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have sanctity, a day of complete rest to the Lord" (Exodus 35:2).

The sages, and following them most commentators, explained that this commandment was related to the construction of the Mishkan and was intended to limit the work on it and its utensils to the six weekdays only. On the seventh day of each week – Shabbat – preparations for building the Mishkan were halted, to resume again on Sunday.

As a result, the tasks prohibited on Shabbat were derived from the work of the Mishkan. Any work necessary for the construction of the Mishkan was defined as prohibited labor on Shabbat. Actions that were not necessary for the construction of the Mishkan were permitted on Shabbat and were not included in the list of acts prohibited on Shabbat.

The importance of Shabbat

The prohibition of work on Shabbat for the construction of the Mishkan underscores the importance and elevation of Shabbat. Even the most holy work, the construction of the Mishkan, which God Himself commanded, is forbidden to be performed on Shabbat.

In earlier chapters, it is said that Shabbat is "a sign between Me and you for your generations, to know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you" (Ex. 31:13). Shabbat is the sign that points to the covenant between God and the people of Israel; therefore, Shabbat rest cannot be annulled even for the sake of the sacred work of building the Mishkan.

Only one need overrides Shabbat: saving a life. When a person's life lies in the balance, Shabbat rest must be violated, and there is an obligation to desecrate Shabbat to save a life.

Why is Shabbat not waived for...