The 39 Avos Melachos (categories of prohibited labor) are derived from this parsha (see Shabbos 70a). The Melachos are not mentioned directly, except for the kindling of fire: “Do not transfer fire throughout your dwellings.” (Shmos 35:3).
Why is fire specifically mentioned?
One view is that the Torah meant to be more lenient in the punishment of kindling fire, since one is allowed to increase the flame on Yom Tov (because fire is basic to food preparation).
Another view states that there is no leniency regarding fire, rather the Torah meant to convey that each of the melachos could be independently culpable — kindling fire is just an example. 1
Hapanim Yafos explains a third view: Rebbi Akiva (Pesachim 5b). Rebbi Akiva thinks that each of the Melachos are culpable separately, but only in relation to Shabbos — not so for Yom Tov. It’s as if there are 39 separate mitzvos of Shabbos, but only one mitzva for Yom Tov.
Shabbos Atones
The Melachos are taught after the incident of the Eigel Hazahav (the golden calf). Several commentaries explain that the complex halachos of Shabbos are meant to atone for this crime.
Why was Shabbos chosen as the tikkun for the Eigel? Whether the Eigel was actually Avoda Zorah or not is a controversy, but it was certainly a severe aveira which led to the most serious crimes. It may be seen as a gross misuse of gold, or wealth.
Today, as well, much wealth is wasted on impure entities which soil the neshama. During the week we strive to earn parnasa; on Shabbos we must refrain from weekday activities, giving us a chance to contemplate correcting the contamination of the soul.
The Donations and the Nesi’im
The Nesi’im chose not to be the first to donate to the Mishkan. They said they would wait; whatever would be needed in the end they would contribute. Unfortunately, they missed their chance. It was announced that more than enough had been collected, and donations were to stop.
Rashi tells us that their missed chance was due to their laziness. They should have run to donate, just as all the others had!
Nonetheless, a place was found for the Nesi’im. They were, indeed, able to offer something quite special: the stones for the Ephod. So, although they are blamed for being late, we learn once again that there is always a way to correct mistakes.
- The laws here are very complex; this is merely a brief introduction. (We are not discussing someone new to Yiddishkeit, who had no way of knowing.)