This week’s Torah reading is in fact the combination of two portions. These two portions are often combined, since the system of dividing the Torah into portions is designed so that there will be enough portions for all of the Sabbaths of the year. The weekly portion is not read on holidays that come out on the Sabbath, and therefore, when there is a year during which many holidays do, some portions are joined together to that the Torah will still be completed during the year.
VaYakhel, , literally "and he gathered", is thus named because it begins with Moses
gathering all of the Israelites and commanding them to keep the Sabbath.
Pekudey, , literally "the sum" or "the records", is thus named because it begins with
listing all that was gathered from the Israelites for building the desert Tabernacle – in gold, silver, bronze, jewels and cloth.
The portion is named Tetzaveh, , literally "you shall command", because it begins with God’s order to Moses to command the Israelites to bring pure olive oil in order to light the light in the Tabernacle regularly. literally "offering", because it begins with God telling Moses. The portion contains detailed instructions given to Moses as to the dedication of Aaron and his sons as priests in the Desert Tabernacle. They are first commanded to light a regular light in the Tabernacle. There is then a very detailed description of the clothing of the High Priest, which include different garments as well as the Ephod – a special vest on which 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel are placed. Special garments for the other priests are also needed and described. Following the dressing of the priests, they are to be anointed with special sacrifices. Following their dedication, the Tabernacle is to be dedicated, as well as the altar. All these dedications are commanded with great technical detail.
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The portion is named Terumah,, literally "offering", because it begins with God telling Moses
to command the people to bring offerings that will be used in building the Desert Tabernacle. The portion contains detailed explanations as to the different cultic artifacts that are to be made for the Tabernacle. The Israelites are commanded to bring offerings of gold, silver, copper, different fabrics, leather, oils and spices, and precious stones. The artifacts that the Israelites are commanded to make are an ark, a table, and a lampstand. They are then commanded to build the actual Tabernacle, and the altar. Most of the portion is comprised of the very detailed orders given to the Israelites – precise measurements and descriptions of each artifact and the different parts of the Tabernacle.
The portion is named , "ordinances", because it begins with laws that Moses is supposed to give to the people. The portion of Mishpatim contains a unique compilation of laws, mostly regarding everyday life and the legal questions it brings about. The laws concern slaves, violence, responsibility of owners towards their animals and different dangers their property might create such as wells people might fall into etc., vandalism and other forms of harm to property. It also includes rules as to just behavior among members of society and respect for the weakest members, and commands a just legal system. After these social rules, the portion includes rules that have to do with different religious practices: the Shmitta, which is the year of rest for the land every seven years; The three festivals and their appropriate agricultural time; and more. The people are then warned that when they reach the Land of Canaan, they must not be tempted to adopt the local practices of paganism. Moses, Aaron, Aaron’s sons and seventy of the elders of Israel then bow down to God, and Moses approaches him and brings the rules before the people. The people agree to keep these rules, and they are written down and sacrifices are brought as a sign of the covenant between the Israelites and God. Moses then goes up to Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights.
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, literally "and he gathered", is thus named because it begins with Moses
, literally "the sum" or "the records", is thus named because it begins with
, literally "you shall command", because it begins with God’s order to Moses to command the Israelites to bring pure olive oil in order to light the light in the Tabernacle regularly. literally "offering", because it begins with God telling Moses. 
, literally "offering", because it begins with God telling Moses
, "ordinances", because it begins with laws that Moses is supposed to give to the people. 
