Torah Study Questions
Vayakhel - And Assembled
Sh'mot (Exodus) 35:1 - 38:20
Mark R. Ensign, Adot Adonai, Amarillo, Texas


Introductory questions -- Brief answers, not for extended discussion:

1. At what point in history does this parsha unfold?

2. Where does this parsha take place geographically?  What are the setting and environment?

3. Who are the primary actors in the parsha and what role or roles does each play?  What is the significance of each role?  Who are the secondary actors and what roles do they play?  What is the significance of their roles?

4. What is the overall theme of this parsha?  What are the subdivisions, if any?


Parsha Specific Questions -- for extended discussion:

Introductory comment.

A great deal of this parsha covers the actual construction of the Mishkan and its contents.  We have previously studied these as their design and construction were being revealed by YHVH to Moshe on Har Sinai.  So these questions will not attempt to cover the same details as were previously studied.  Rather, the questions will provide an overview while focusing on the topics that were not covered previously and the Torah study comments.


Chapter 35

When Moshe assembled all of Bnei Yisrael, what was his first instruction to them?  What was his second instruction?  What were the items that he requested them to bring?  Whom did he call upon to assist in the construction of the Mishkan and its contents?  List all the items that he asked them to construct down to the very smallest item.  What two things did those who responded to the call of Moshe have in common?  Who was the one who appointed the two men to oversee the construction?  List all the skills, characteristics, and attributes that YHVH gave these two men to carry out their mission.

What is the English meaning of the root word for Shabbat?  Why is this significant and what does it teach us about the meaning of Shabbat?  What motivated Abba to ask us to remember and observe Shabbat?  What message do we express to Abba when we observe Shabbat?  Besides ourselves individually, who else does the Torah instruct us to provide rest for?

How did the Mishkan symbolize the relationship between YHVH and his people?  What type of giving is demonstrated in this parsha?  What determined the amount they would give?  How did they respond?  What type of giving did Y'shua support and in what two ways?  What type of giving did Rav Sha'ul ask the Corinthians to undertake?  In the Brit Chadashah how are Torah observant believers encouraged to give?

When we want to serve YHVH, how much previous experience is required?  What is required?  What important lesson does the Midrash teach from Moshe's statement to Bnei Yisrael about YHVH's selection of Betzalel?


Chapter 36

What mandate did Moshe give to Betzalel and Oholiav and those YHVH endowed with skills?  Whom did Moshe summon to assemble for this purpose?  What did they receive from Moshe?  After a few days what did they tell Moshe and what was his response?  To summarize and review what has previously been studied, list each of the items whose construction is described in the rest of the chapter.


Chapter 37

List each of the items of furniture for the Mishkan that this chapter describes as being made by Betzalel.  For each item, list (1) the specific items from which it was made, (2) its purpose, (3) its location within the Mishkan and (4) any additional components or items associated with it.  You may need to refer to the earlier instructions of YHVH to Moshe to provide the complete answers.

In what two places in the Mishkan were the Keruvim found?  Describe their significance and purpose.  Where else in the Scripture do we find them and what was their purpose?  What parallels may be seen between the Gan Eden and the Mishkan and the covenantal relationship they represent?  How does the believer enter into that relationship?  What role did Y'shua have in the atonement process and how was it parallel to the Kohen HaGadol?  Through that process, who can we live like and how are we to live?


Chapter 38

List the two items of furniture for use outside the Mishkan that this chapter describes as being made by  Betzalel.  For each item, list (1) the specific items from which it was made, (2) its purpose, (3) its location within the Mishkan and (4) any additional components or items associated with it.  You may need to refer to the earlier instructions of YHVH to Moshe to provide the complete answers.

List all of the items that made up the courtyard including (1) the specific items from which it was made, (2) the relationship of one item to another, and (3) the location of the items.

What lesson can we learn from the inclusion of the smallest items in the list of everything made for the Mishkan?  How does Rav Sha'ul teach this lesson? 


Closing Questions: For Personal Introspection

Why do you believe our loving Father provided us with this particular portion of his words?  What was his purpose and objective in preserving this portion of the Scriptures to this day?  What benefit do they have for Torah observant believers today?

What other insights has the Ruach HaKodesh given you in your study of this portion that you would like to share with the group?

What questions from this portion have you had that have not been answered by the study?

What impact do you think the study of the words from your Father in this portion will have on your life?  How do you plan to implement his instructions in this parsha in your life?

Silently pray for the Ruach HaKodesh to implant his words like seeds, to nurture their growth in your heart, and to enable you to respond fully as they do.