Moses assembles the people of Israel and reiterates to them the commandment to observe the Shabbat. He then conveys G-d's instructions regarding the making of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

The people donate the required materials in abundance, bringing gold, silver, copper, blue, purple and red-dyed wool, goat hair, spun linen, animal skins, wood, olive oil, herbs and precious stones. Moses has to tell them to stop giving.

A team of wise-hearted artisans make the Mishkan and its furnishings (as detailed in the previous Torah readings of Terumah, Tetzaveh and Ki Tisa): three layers of roof coverings; 48 gold-plated wall panels, and 100 silver foundation sockets; the Parochet (Veil) that separates between the Sanctuary's two chambers and the Masach (Screen) that fronts it; the Ark and its cover with the Cherubim; the Table and its Showbread; the seven-branched Menorah with its specially-prepared oil; and the Golden Altar and the incense burned on it; the Anointing Oil; the outdoor Altar for Burnt Offerings and all its implements; the hangings, posts and foundation sockets for the Courtyard; and the Basin and its pedestal, made out of copper mirrors .

And Moses assembled all the congregation of the Children of Israel and said unto them: "These are the words which G-d has commanded that you should do them. Six days shall work be done but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a Sabbath of solemn rest to G-d..." (Exodus 35:1-2)

Some individuals, when approached with the suggestion that they begin to observe the Shabbat, respond with a question and a challenge: "Why do you talk to me about miracles? We live in a mundane physical world. I have a business on Fifth Avenue and I see that I earn much more on Saturday than on other days of the week!"

The answer is that money by and of itself is not the purpose and goal of a person's happiness and well-being. It all depends how the money is used. If we were to ask this individual, "Let us say for the sake of argument that you were given a choice, either to earn a thousand dollars extra this year and end up in a hospital having to pay the doctor a thousand dollars plus, or not to earn the extra money in the first place and not end up with the sickness and the extra medical bills?" Obviously he would choose to remain healthy and to reject the money for such unwholesome purposes.

The Torah of Truth teaches that the money which a Jew earns through profaning the Shabbat does not "belong" to him; in a sense it is not "Jewish" money. One may protest that this money is owned by the Jew; it is deposited in his bank account and he retains full control over the funds. He can write a check to whomever he desires. But it remains to be seen for what purpose this money will ultimately be spent.