Voices for WRJ: Parashat Vayak’heil-Pekudei

by Helene H. Waranch This week we read the last two portions of Exodus: Vayak’heil and Pekudai. The Israelites have received the second set of the Ten Commandments and Adonai now believes they are ready to build the Tabernacle, the portal sanctuary for worship. In Vayak’heil, Moses commanded the Israelites—“everyone whose heart is so moved (Exodus 35:5)”—to bring a multitude of precious gems and metals, elegant fabrics, animal skins, oils and spices to Adonai so that the Tabernacle, the ark, altar and all its contents can be built to His specifications. Skilled artisans were assigned to construct the Tabernacle as explicitly described. Pekudei concludes the book of Exodus with the completion of the Tabernacle, with the making of the priestly garments and the consecration of the finished Tent of Meeting. Lastly, God promises to dwell among the Israelites throughout their journeys. In both these portions the Israelites count not only men, but women, who are specifically mentioned and included several times. All were asked to donate precious objects and to use their unique skills for the building of the Tabernacle, as it said, “Thus the Israelites, all the men and women whose hearts moved them for the work … brought it as a freewill offering to Adonai (Exodus 35:29).” Women were specifically asked to produce the many fabrics for the Tabernacle as well as for the priestly vestments. They also provided their mirrors for the stand at the entrance and their fragrances for the incense. Lastly, women stood with the entire community at the entrance of the Tabernacle when “the presence of Adonai filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:35).” It is only in these two Torah portions that women been considered as equal partners with men. Throughout the ages, our roles as fundraisers, builders and caregivers have always been integral aspects of the continuity and vibrancy of Judaism and our houses of worship. Yet Jewish women just began to charter organizations, known as sisterhoods, to fulfill these purposes in the last 100 years. In sisterhoods, we have formally continued the work for which our foremothers were first acknowledged in the Torah. As we celebrate the centennial anniversary of the founding of WRJ, previously NFTS, we are also remembering the vital role of those women from centuries past who inspired all of us to make sisterhood and synagogue a major part of our lives. May we, as Jewish women, build on the wonderful legacy of our foremothers as we begin the next century of WRJ. May we ensure the continuation of the important roles of sisterhoods and WRJ for the future of our synagogues and Reform Judaism for generations to come. Helene H. Waranch is WRJ Past President and member of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation in Baltimore, MD.