As we come to the end of the Book of Exodus, the Israelites learn anew the central precepts of the Torah: Keep the Sabbath, give tzedakah, and have a hand in building up a Jewish community of strength. The people will come forward to help create the first ever synagogue, the Ohel Moed. It is the Tent of Meeting, a place to commune with God, re-connect with heritage, remember the Jewish story and find comfort in an uncertain world – just as our synagogue is for us today. Theirs was a portable space, designed to travel with our Israelite ancestors through the wilderness. 

The Israelites bring their gifts, both material and otherwise, in helping to build this Tent of Meeting. They bring what they can. Indeed, as everyone then had something unique and precious to offer the Jewish community, so does each one of us bring something unique and holy to our congregational community. We are told that there are two Israelites, Bezalel and Ohaliab, who are ‘endowed with a divine spirit of skill, ability and knowledge in every kind of craft.’ They will oversee the project. They are unique in their capabilities and uniquely qualified to manage the daunting and elaborate work. One midrash notes that Bezalel’s grandfather was one of the few who attempted to halt the sin of the Golden Calf; the reward is Bezalel himself. 

Of the many lessons this portion teaches, one is that Moses cannot do it all by himself. Indeed, he will need Bezalel and Ohaliab and will rely on them. He has learned to delegate, as every good leader must. He has also learned to trust others. More than anything, he has come to see his own limitations. Moses cannot solve every problem or tend to every concern. Neither can he build the Tent of Meeting for the Israelites. So it is for us: We cannot do it all. Life is about making choices and determining what matters most to us: which project, which activity, which trip, which book, which argument really matters, and which do not. Sometimes these are not easy choices to make. 

To put it more pointedly: We cannot enrage ourselves over every news item. We will wear ourselves out. Moses seemed to learn this lesson. We can try as well. While the world may be melting – what with ongoing strife in Israel, ongoing adversity in Ukraine, no shortage of tension in Washington, great concern for those too easily pushed to the margins of our society – we cannot remain in a state of heightened nervousness and angst. We must do what the Jew has always done, as the list above points to: not only observe our holidays and support the causes that move us most, but also build up a Jewish community of fortitude, inclusivity, right action, hope and healing. No matter the news, our job as Jews is firm and resolute. Like those early Israelites, we must continue to build not only safe, sacred spaces, but a wider world of peace and possibility.