Vayakhel-Pekudei: The Mundane to the Holy

Introduction

Parshiot Vayakhel and Pekudei are the conclusion and crowning point of the Book of Exodus. In this week’s parsha podcast, Rabbi Michael Hattin looks into the description of the materials and metals that were used for the construction of the mishkan. He focuses on the bronze kiyor (washbasin) which was made from the mirrors the women contributed. Why did the women contribute their mirrors and why were they used specifically for the kiyor?

Please note that this is a reprise of a podcast that was recorded in 2012.

Please let us know your comments and thoughts about the podcast, write to us at elmad@pardes.org.il.

Credits
Larry Kluger – Creative Consultant
Arlene Harel – Production Coordinator

Michael Hattin

Rabbi Michael Hattin is Senior Faculty at Pardes, where he teaches Tanakh and Halakha. He has rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Har Etzion and holds a professional degree in architecture from the University of Toronto.

Michael is the author of multiple books on Tanakh, with a special focus on Nevi’im Rishonim. He speaks English, Hebrew, and Yiddish fluently, and has served as scholar-in-residence in communities throughout North America and Europe. Michael lives in Alon Shvut with his wife Rivka and their children.