Cordovero

Introduction The Torah portion Vayakhel describes the intricate construction of the Mishkan (“Sanctuary”)—the Tabernacle. According to Kabbalistic thought, the Mishkan symbolizes a microcosm that represents the entire universe, both in its physical and spiritual dimensions.[1] Within this symbolic structure, the Mishkan comprises primarily two distinct categories of objects: coverings, which include the roof and walls enclosing the sanctuary, and the kelim, the sacred vessels housed within. This is not the first time the description of the coverings and kelim appear in the Torah—they were already described previously in the Torah portion Teruma. In Teruma, G‑d gives Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the Mishkan. Interestingly, in Teruma, G‑d first speaks of the kelim and then of the coverings, whereas in Vayakhel, when Moses instructs the Jewish people, he reverses the order and first speaks of the coverings and then [...]