2014-2015 CYCLE
P180 Parash 22 VaYakel (and he assembled) Sh’mot/Exodus 35:1 – 38:20
Theme & Message
– The focus of this portion of the Torah is the meaning of true worship.
The first step of true worship comes from the heart. In true worship
there is a stirring in the heart that can only be satisfied by being in God’s
presence and in serving Him. The joy of giving everything we have to
Him so that His abundance is surrounding us and flowing through us. A
true worshipper brings to the King offerings that are pleasing and acceptable
to Him. In this way the worshipper seeks to touch the Lord’s heart, and not
to satisfy his or her own desires. The outward sign of true worship shows an
intense focus by all members of the body working in unity and shalom on the
things of God. There is no distraction or attachment to anything of the
flesh or of this world. There is no time wasted on small or insignificant
things. There is no concern for the self. Each person’s mind, spirit and
body are even in unity serving only His purposes. In this way, there is total
peace, shalom. This happens because when man completely gives all he has
and all that he is to the Lord, the Lord opens the gates and windows of Heaven
and pours out His abundance. True shalom can really only be found in worshipping
Him. |