Adon Olam | Cantor Orly Campbell
Sisterhood Shabbat
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: Vayakleh Not Heat, But Light
Rabbi Barenblat writes about the meaning of vayk’hel – essentially, Moses “communized the community”. This verse follows Moses’ reminder that on Shabbat we do not kindle fires. She treats “fire” as a metaphor for anger or fear, emotions which can destroy our community
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Vaykhel Mirrors of Love
Rabbi Sacks addresses the interesting aspect of the role of women in this parashah: they are specifically mentioned as contributors, and before the men. This contrasts with the textual implication that they refused to participate in the making of the Golden Calf. He then cites Rashi, stating that when the women volunteered their mirrors, the mirrors reflected their role in giving birth and caring for their families.