Food Torah – Vayakhel – Pekudei

March 19, 2025 in Food Tourah

With this week’s double parsha, Vayakhel – Pekudei – 23 parshiot down, only 31 more to go!

Vayakhel (“He assembled”) opens with Moses reminding the Israelites that they may work for six days, but the seventh day – Shabbat – is a day of rest. He then asks the Israelites to donate materials for construction of the Mishkan. Moses requests that those who are skilled artisans volunteer their services to build the Mishkan in accordance with G-d’s outlines. The Israelites respond with overwhelming generosity bringing gifts of gold, silver, copper, beautifully colored yarns, fine linens, goat’s hair, rare skins, and precious stones.  They also contribute oils for lighting and spices for anointing and providing aromatic incense. Their giving is so abundant that Moses has to tell them to stop – an extraordinary display of communal generosity.

Pekudei (“Accountings of”) is the final parsha that deals with building the Mishkan – it also happens to be the final parsha in Exodus, the second book of the Torah.  The parsha provides a detailed account of all the materials used to fabricate the Mishkan, ensuring transparency in how the gold, silver, and other resources were allocated. It describes the completion of the Mishkan and the priestly garments, followed by Moses assembling the Mishkan for the first time and G-d’s command to anoint Aaron and his sons as priests. The parsha closes with a cloud settling over the Mishkan, signifying G-d’s presence.

Our double parsha begins with Vayakhel’s themes of rest, generosity, and artistry. Start your meal with Thick and Fluffy Overnight Focaccia.  Just as the Israelites are commanded to rest on the seventh day, the dough for this focaccia must rest before you bake it which results in a super crisp bottom and a light, pillowy top. Similarly our Overnight Marinated Flank Steak and Turkish-Style Marinated Salmon both require a rest in their marinades to really let the flavors soak in, rewarding patience with depth and richness. We were especially struck by the generosity of the Israelites in this parsha – so much so that Moses had to tell them to stop bringing materials forth. What a wonderful “problem” to have! It inspired this Winter Abundance Bowl, a vibrant dish that celebrates plenty.  And with this parsha’s emphasis on decorative detail, we’re highlighting Stained Glass Cookies, a playful nod to the ornate beauty of the Mishkan and modern synagogues alike.  Let your inner artisan shine as you create this deliciously delightful dessert!

Double parsha – double the menus. (Feel free to mix and match!) As we turn from Vayakhel to Pekudei, we circle back to the heart of the meal. Pekudei concludes a series of five parshiot detailing the construction of the Mishkan – and what do we do when a significant project is completed?  We hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony, of course! As a playful nod to this momentous occasion, try Blue Ribbon Chili. If you’re feeling extra adventurous Cornbread Challah pairs perfectly with the chili, and its golden hue calls to mind the gold used to build the Mishkan. And because one dessert is rarely enough, Berries in a Cloud offers a sweet finale – a treat that evokes the divine cloud that settled over the Mishkan and will melt in your mouth.

And with that, we complete two books of the Torah – Chazak, Chazak, Venitchazek!

B’tayavon and Shabbat Shalom,
Alison (Baraf) & Sarah (Roark)

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For a more in-depth look at this week’s parsha, visit Sefaria.com.