Vayakhel
Exodus 35:1 – 38:20

By Jen Smith

Parshat Vayakhel opens with Moses gathering the entire community of Israel (Vayakhel means “he assembled”) to instruct them on building the Mishkan (tabernacle), the sacred dwelling place of God. Every Israelite was called upon to contribute in whatever way they could: those who were wealthy donated gold and silver (as an aside I have always wondered where the slaves stashed this gold while in Egypt and why it was not used to bribe their captors, but I digress), the artists wove fine fabrics, and the master craftsmen, like Betzalel, fashioned the sacred vessels. 

At first glance, this might seem like just another biblical construction project. But the Mishkan was not built through physical labor alone; it was an act of spiritual harmony, communal dedication, and holy teamwork. 

The Kabbalists teach that the Mishkan was not merely an earthly structure; it mirrored the higher spiritual realms. Each piece of the Mishkan corresponded to aspects of the human soul: the Menorah represented wisdom, the Ark held divine knowledge, and the altar symbolized fiery passion of devotion. Just as no single part of the Mishkan was unnecessary, every Jew was essential in creating this holy space. 

This mystical lesson applies to our own communities today: we each bring something different to the table, but only together do we build something truly sacred. 

Now, what does this have to do with March Madness? 

The NCAA Tournament is the ultimate test of teamwork, endurance, and strategy. A team may have a star player, but without strong role players, a committed bench, and a dedicated coach, even the most talented squad will fall short. The best teams – the ones that go far in the tournament – are teams in which each player knows their role and contributes selflessly to the greater mission. 

This is the essence of Vayakhel. The Israelites did not build the Mishkan alone; the entire community contributed according to their abilities. Some gave physical materials, others their expertise, and still others their passion and faith. Just as in basketball, success is not about the individual – it’s about the team. 

This is reflected best in the moment of Vayakhel where the people gave so much that Moses had to tell them to stop! Imagine a (Jewish communal) fundraiser where people donate beyond what’s needed – when was the last time that happened? (Spoiler: never) This outpouring of generosity reminds us that when people are united by purpose and faith, the results exceed expectations. 

In basketball, we admire the player who passes up a good shot for a great assist. Unselfishness leads to greater success, whether in the Mishkan, on the court, or in our own communities. 

As we watch March Madness unfold, let’s not just cheer for our favorite teams – let’s also remember the lessons of Vayakhel: 

We are all part of something greater than ourselves, and our talents, no matter how small we may consider them to be, are essential to the community. The best contributions come from a place of generosity and heart. 

Just as every pass, rebound, and defensive stop matters in the tournament, every action of kindness, every mitzvah, and every moment of connection builds something holy in our world. 

May we all take part in the ultimate championship – the never-ending work of building our sacred community – one assist at a time.  

Shabbat Shalom!