This Shabbat, we conclude the reading of the second book of the Torah, Sefer Shmot, the Book of Exodus, with the Torah reading of Pekudei. The Torah selection focuses on the beauty of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle of the Wilderness. Bezalel and Oholiab are portrayed as the great artists of ancient Israel as they are the masters of carving, designing and embroidering. The statistics of the gold, silver, and copper utilized in the building of the Tabernacle is stipulated.

The garments of the kohen are described in detailed. The ephod, the priestly apron, was woven of gold, blue, purple, and crimson yarns. Golden threads were worked into designs among the other threads. Lapis lazuli stones were place on the shoulder pieces of the ephod.

The priestly breastplate was also made of gold, blue, purple, and crimson yarns. The breast piece was square and contained twelve precious stone. The stones were arranged in four rows. The first row was carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald. The second was turquoise, sapphire, and amethyst. The third was jacinth, agate, and crystal. The fourth was beryl, lapis lazuli, and jasper. The stones corresponded to the twelve tribes of Israel.

The robe of the ephod was woven of pure blue, a sign of royalty. The hem of the robe featured pomegranates of blue, purple and crimson yarns. The bells on the hem of the robe were made of gold and attached in between the pomegranates. The sons of Aaron also wore tunics of fine linen and decorated turbans. The official headdress of Aaron featured the words, "Kodesh LaShem", "Sacred to the L-rd". A cord of blue held these words in place. Again, blue functioned as a sign of royalty.

The Mishkan was brought before Moses with all its furniture. The Tabernacle featured planks, bar, posts, and sockets. The sides featured coverings made of ram skin and dolphin skins. The Ark of the Covenant featured the sacred table, the shulhan, the pure lampstand, the menorah, the altar of gold, and the altar of copper.

On the first day of the first month, G-d commanded Moses to set up the Mishkan. G-d commands Moses to set up the Tabernacle for the appropriate rituals. The altar of burnt offering, the laver, the screen, and the anointing oil are placed in their proper areas. Aaron and his sons are purified for their priestly roles.

When the cloud covered the Tabernacle, Moses could not enter is as the Kavod, the Divine Glory, filled the space. Israel continued in her journey when the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle.

We conclude the Second Book of the Torah, Sefer Shmot, with the traditional words, "Hazak, hazak v'nithazek". "Let us be strong and strengthen one another.