March 29, 2025 ·
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
This week’s parsha, parshat Pikudei, is the last parsha in the book of Shemot. It continues to describe the completion of the Mishkan, the special home for Hashem’s presence among Bnei Yisrael. The word pikudei means “counting” or “accounting” because Moshe gives a detailed report of how all the gold, silver, and other materials were used to build the Mishkan.
Moshe carefully records how much gold, silver, and copper were donated and how they were used. The silver, for example, was used to make the Adanim (sockets), which held up the Mishkan’s walls. This teaches us an important lesson about honesty and being responsible with things that belong to the community.
ONE BIG IDEA
This Shabbat, we read Parshat HaChodesh, about the mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the Jewish month. Hashem is giving Bnei Yisrael a gift the Jewish calendar! Until now, they were slaves in Egypt, and their time wasn’t their own. But now, Hashem tells them that they will be free, and they will count time for themselves. The Hebrew word “chodesh” (month) has the same root as “chadash” (new). Hashem is teaching us that we always have the chance to start fresh. Just like the moon disappears at the end of the month but then begins to grow again, we also get to start again, no matter what happened before!
After months of hard work, the Mishkan is finally finished! Every piece is put in its proper place the Kiyor (washbasin), Menorah, Mizbeach (altar), Shulchan (table), and Aron Kodesh. Betzalel and his team follow Hashem’s instructions exactly, just as Moshe told them. When the Mishkan is complete, Moshe gives Bnei Yisrael a special bracha, asking Hashem to rest among them. This reminds us that when we do mitzvot and follow Hashem’s instructions, we bring Hashem’s presence into our lives.
Then, something amazing happens! A cloud comes down and covers the Mishkan, and Hashem’s presence fills it. This cloud shows that Hashem is happy with Bnei Yisrael and that He will lead them on their journey through the desert. From now on, the cloud rests over the Mishkan duringtheday, andat night,thereisa pillar of fire. When the cloud lifts, it is a sign that Bnei Yisrael must travel. When it stays, they camp and wait for Hashem’s next instructions.
Parshat Pikudei teaches us the importance of honesty, teamwork, and following Hashem’s commandments. It also reminds us that when we build something for Hashem with a full heart, He will be with us always! Chazak Chazak V’nitchazek! Since this is the last parsha in Sefer Shemot, we say this phrase to celebrate completing another book of the Torah.
Candle-lighting: 6:58pm
Havdalah: 7:54pm allah: 5:25pm
PARSHA STATS DID YOU KNOW…?
Mitzvot………………………….0
Lines in the Torah ..............159 (41st most)
Pesukim .............................92 (40th most)
Words ................................1182 (42nd most)
Letters................................4432 (44th most)
Year(s)................................2449
(Source: OU Torah Tidbits)
Parshat Pekudei is the last parsha in the book of Shemot. There is a wellknown phrase in English, “last but not least.” The origin of that phrase isn’t conclusive (clear) but did you know that a Hebrew phrase close to it – Acharon, acharon chaviv (the last is the best) – comes from the story of when Yaakov prepared his group for meeting Esav. He put Rachel and Yosef last so that they would be the most protected. And Rashi says he did that because, “Acharon, acharon chaviv.”
CHECKLIST
To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.
I called to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
I went to ________________ shul (synagogue)
I did the Shabbat mitzvah of_______________ Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/Hamotzi/ Birkat Hamazon
Sang zemirot/songs
I wore __________________ in honor of Shabbat
I __________________________ in my home to prepare for Shabbat
Full Name: ______________________________
Class: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________
QUESTIONS
1. True or False: There are no mitzvot in this week’s parsha.
2. TrueorFalse:Thisweek’sparsha is the first parsha in the book of Shemot.
3. What Hebrew word has the same root as the Hebrew word for “month,” chodesh. What does that teach us?
4. Whywasit importantforMoshe to know how much of every material was donated to build the Mishkan?
5. What did Bnei Yisrael do when the cloud covered the Mishkan?