The Torah assigns the exact Mishkan-related tasks to be performed by the sons of Gershon, Kehat and Merari, the Beney Levi. A census reveals that over 8,000 men are ready for such service. All those who are ritually impure are to be sent out of the encampments. If a person confesses that he wrongfully retained his neighbour`s property after having sworn to the contrary in court, he has to pay an additional fifth of the base-price of the object, and bring a guilt offering to atone for his transgression. In the event that the claimant has already passed away without heirs, the payments are made to a Kohen. In certain circumstances, a husband who suspects that his wife had been unfaithful brings his wife, a Sotah, to a Kohen. The Kohen prepares a drink of water mixed with a certain dust and a special ink that was used for inscribing HaShem`s Name on a piece of parchment. If she is indeed innocent, the potion does not harm her -- in fact it brings a blessing of children. However, if she is guilty, she suffers a supernatural death.

A Nazir is someone who voluntarily vows to dedicate himself to HaShem for a specific period of time. He is obliged to abstain from all grape products, let his hair grow and avoid all contact with corpses. At the end of this period, he shaves his head and brings special offerings in the Temple before returning to normal life. If he fails to successfully complete his count, he needs to begin the count anew after shaving his head and bringing an offering in the Temple. The Kohanim are commanded to bless the people. The Mishkan is completed and dedicated on the first day of Nissan in the second year after the Exodus. The Princes of each Tribe make a communal gift to help transport the Mishkan, as well as donating identical individual gifts of gold, silver, animal and meal offerings.

Torah at the Table

Saying some Torah at each meal--anytime bread is eaten and at least two people are eating--is a custom but not a halacha. But, Torah can be said anytime!

Saying shir ha`ma`alot before birkat ha`mazon fulfills the custom to say Torah at the meal.