According to tradition, Moses descended from Sinai (with the
second set of tablets) on
Yom Kippur, and on the following morning he convened the people to explain God's instructions regarding building the
Mishkan (i.e., Tabernacle). Before he did so, however, he again reminded them to observe the
Sabbath
as a day of complete rest, with the added provision that they may not
kindle any fire on this day. Moses then asked for contributions of gold,
silver, bronze, and other materials for the construction of the
sanctuary and its furnishings. This was to be a free-will offering (
נְדָבָה זֶבַח) made by those "whose heart so moved him." As a sign of their complete
teshuvah (repentance) for the sin of the
Golden Calf, the people gave with such generosity that Moses finally had to ask them to stop giving!
Betzalel
and Oholiav were appointed to be the chief artisans of the Mishkan, and
they led a team of others that created the roof coverings, frame, wall
panels, and foundation sockets for the tent. They also created the
parochet (veil) that separated the Holy Place
(ha'kodesh) from the Holy of Holies
(kodesh ha'kodeshim). Both the roof and the veil were designed with embroidered
cherubim (winged angelic beings). Betzalel then created the Ark of the Covenant and its cover called the mercy seat
(kapporet),
which was the sole object that would occupy the innermost chamber of
the Holy of Holies. Betzalel also made the three sacred furnishings for
the Holy Place – the Table of Bread
(shulchan), the lamp
(menorah), and the Altar of Incense
(mizbe'ach ha'katoret) – as well as the anointing oil that would consecrate these furnishings.
Betzalel
then created the Copper Altar for burnt offerings (along with its
implements) and the Copper Basin from the mirrors of women who
ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting. He then formed the
courtyard by installing the hangings, posts and foundation sockets, and
created the three-colored gate that was used to access the courtyard.
