ויקהל-מקוה

The Netivot Shalom observed that the Gematria, numerical value of the word, “ויקהל” is equal to the word, “מקוה.” Just as a Mikva purifies, so, too, does Jewish unity as reflected in the word, ויקהל, also purifies. When there is collective, unified prayer, there is great strength. Just like all contributed generously to the Mishkan, and there was a collective feeling of a common goal being fulfilled, the same applies when all join together in prayer to remove a difficult decree facing the Jewish people. The Netivot Shalom adds that within the word, מקוה, there is also the word “קוה” meaning “hope.” When one feels that he is not alone, and he is part of a whole, he has hope. Losing hope can be devastating. The combination of ויקהל and מקוה, remind us to keep ourselves purified and to always remain part of the greater whole.