The Intent to Gather
This week’s Torah portion, Vayak’heil, begins with Moses assembling people to hear words simultaneously toward a shared goal. It is telling that this gathering occurs after the infamous convocation of the people last week with the building of the Golden Calf—the height of sin and faithlessness.
The people come together to continue the building of the mishkan—the portable tabernacle. But prior to this, Moses reminds them about the necessity of Sabbath observance. The juxtaposition is clear: Even in sacred efforts to build God’s house, the higher principles of holiness, rest, and embracing God’s model supersede all.
It is a reminder as relevant today as it was millennia ago: Intent and ultimate objective are critical in bringing a community together. The consequences of cohering concepts like nationalism, patriotism, and even faith are utterly dependent on the goals of the convocation. Our history as Jews provides all too painful lessons of the evil that can grow from mass movements and mob violence. But we also cherish the ways in which intimate bonds of connection and common purpose have sustained us through the most dire moments.