Following the giving of the Torah, G-d requests the partnership of the newly redeemed nation in building the Tabernacle (Mishkan -sanctuary). They bring a remarkable array of valuable metals, fabrics, animal skins, and precious stones. Moses describes these gifts as gifts of the heart: “מֵאֵת כָּל-אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִדְּבֶנּוּ לִבּוֹ, תִּקְחוּ אֶת-תְּרוּמָתִי” “everyone whose heart is moved to give – from that they should give”. (Exodus 25:2)
The Ba’al Shem Tov explains that the emphasis was not on the gift itself, but on the significance that G-d asks to only give from that which they are compelled to give. It was crucial that the people were moved to give with a heartfelt passion. The value of the gift was that the offering came from the heart. The beauty and power of the gifts were inherently tied to the intention.
A nation of slaves is redeemed, asked for the first time: what do YOU care about, what is YOUR passion? Find what is in your heart, find YOU – and then, give that.
It is a lifelong pursuit – to know yourself and identify what moves you. Share that with your world. Be moved to inspire, give, and elevate others. Be present and enthusiastic; give with a whole heart.
– Rabbi Shmulik Yeshayahu
The building of the Mishkan represents the building of community and an ideal existence. Each of us contributes – ideally, when we give, we give because we are compelled to, passionate about the significance and proud of what we have to offer.
When each of us finds our passion, unique value, and inner voice, and are moved to contribute from the bottom of our hearts – then each of us is fully invested and counted in our communities. We add value far beyond the contribution itself.
A nation of slaves is redeemed, asked for the first time: what do YOU care about, what is YOUR passion? Find what is in your heart, find YOU – and then, give that.
It is a lifelong pursuit – to know yourself and identify what moves you. Share that with your world. Be moved to inspire, give, and elevate others. Be present and enthusiastic; give with a whole heart.
Thank you to the Diamond Foundation for their ongoing generous support.