Shabbat comes in 5.43pm: goes out 6.47pm
In Parshat Pekudei we read the verse: “Just as the LORD had commanded Moses, so the Israelites had done all the work. (Ex. 39:42)
The Ramban (Nachmanides, 1194–1270, Spain) asked: Why do we need the extra word — “work” at the end of the sentence? It is possible that it is meant to emphasise the fact that none of the work of the tabernacle was done by bringing artisans from other nations of the world (foreign workers). All the work was done by the children of Israel.
In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with hiring foreign workers. But I do think there is a special pride that comes from completing an important task yourself. We value the work and the final product much more when the work is done by our own hands.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Paul Arberman
