With the reading of Parashat Terumah, the Book of Exodus turns to discuss the construction of the mishkan, the Tabernacle of the wilderness. The selection begins with a call for contributions to the Tabernacle. The metals of gold, silver, and brass and the fabrics of blue, purple, and scarlet are mentioned as possible offerings. Oil and spices were required for the light and incense. Precious stones were necessary for the breastplate of the kohen.

The summation of the construction of the mishkan is stated in the oft-quoted verse, "Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them." The discrepancy of the grammar in this verse teaches that the ultimate purpose of the religious shrine is so that G-d's presence may be felt among the people.

The details of the Ark of the Covenant are shared. It is to be built of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The Ark was transported by wooden poles placed through rings in the sides of the Ark. The two cherubim were placed on the sides of the Ark. Although in Renaissance art, cherubs are depicted as cute children with rosy cheeks, the original cherubim were animal-like creatures. G-d's voice was said to emanate from between the two cherubim.

The shulhan, or table, was to be built of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It was also transported with wooden poles placed through rings on the side of the table. The lehem panim, or showbread, was placed upon the table.

The menorah, or candelabrum, was to be constructed of one piece of gold. The seven-branched candelabrum is one of the most commonly depicted art objects of ancient Judaism.

The Tabernacle was lined with ten curtains of blue, purple, and scarlet. The curtains were placed in two groups of five curtains each. At the edge of each group of curtains, there were fifty loops. The loops were placed in golden clasps.

There were two additional coverings spread over the roof of the Tabernacle in order to protect it. These were made of rams' skin and seals' skin.

Twenty boards of acacia wood formed the length of the Tabernacle. These boards had forty silver sockets at their bases to receive the projecting pegs. The boards were overlaid with gold as well.
The parochet, or veil, formed a partition between the Holy of Holies and the remaining part of the Tabernacle. The veil was made of linen fabric of blue, purple, and scarlet. It was held in place by four wooden posts with golden hooks.

The shulhan, or table, was set in the north of the Tabernacle, the menorah in the south, and in between the two was the altar of incense.

The altar of burnt offerings was made of acacia wood. There were four projections, called "horns", at the four corners of the altar. The horns were overlaid with brass. All the utensils involved in the sacrificial cult were to be made of brass.

The court of the mishkan, the Tabernacle, marked off the limits of the sacred area. It was made of fine twisted linen. There were hangings on three sides of the court; a screen filled in the fourth side.