By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
The Torah portion of Vayakhel begins with Moses assembling the Israelites and reminding them of the importance of observing the Sabbath. He then proceeds to give them instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary that the Israelites used to worship G-d during their travels in the desert.
The Torah portion of Vayakhel emphasizes communal participation in the construction of the Tabernacle, as well as the value of generosity and giving. When we are aware that the world exists so that G-d may have a dwelling place and that our lives have been given to us in order to build that place. There will be an awareness of Redemption throughout every aspect of our existence.
Goodness and kindness are essential values for Noahides. By embracing these principles and striving to live in accordance with the Noahide laws, Noahides can cultivate a sense of purpose, connection, and responsibility to the world around them.
Even though this is not part of the 7 Noahide commandments, Kindness is a logical obligation and actually a way to emulate G-d's ways of kindness and compassion toward all humanity. It involves actively seeking out opportunities to perform acts of kindness towards others, whether they are family members, friends, or strangers in need.
Examples of Kindness include visiting the sick, comforting mourners, providing food and shelter for those in need, and offering financial support to those facing hardship. It can also involve acts of kindness such as greeting others with a warm smile, offering words of encouragement, and listening to others with empathy and compassion.
Acts of kindness have the power to hasten redemption. Kindness can help to repair the world, or "tikkun olam" in Hebrew. It can help to bring about a sense of unity to serve Hashem among all people. By recognizing the G-dliness in almost everything we do and striving to live a life of kindness and goodness, we can help to bring about redemption sooner.
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is a writer and a Community Rabbi in Netanya, Israel. He believes in making connections between the Jewish People and the Noahides worldwide in order to share and enhance the knowledge of the Torah's Universal Code for Humanity and fulfill Isaiah's Prophecy 11:9 " And the world will be filled with the knowledge of G-d as the waters cover the oceans".
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