In the first aliyah G-d commands Moshe to count the Jewish people by collecting an atonement offering of half a shekel for each person. The Torah says, "so there will be no plague among them". Rashi explains that by counting the half shekels instead of the Jews, the Jews won't be harmed by the evil eye.

G-d then commands Moshe to make a wash stand of copper for the sanctuary for the Kohanim to wash their hands and feet before their service.

G-d gives Moshe instructions for making the anointing oil with fine spices, to be used for anointing certain items of the sanctuary as well as Aharon and his sons. The formula of the oil is never to be duplicated or used in an unauthorized manner. Similarly a formula is given for incense to be used in the sanctuary, and its unauthorized duplication is also prohibited.

G-d appoints Betzalel the son of Uri to have wisdom, understanding, and knowledge and to be the craftsman of the sanctuary and its contents. G-d appoints Oholiav as his assistant.

Finally, the aliyah ends with G-d telling the Jewish people to keep the Sabbath. Here it says that the Sabbath is an "Os" (sign) between Him and the Jewish people, making us holy.