“Take for Me an offering” (Exodus 25:2)

When the Torah details the collection made to build and support the Tabernacle. G‑d states “Take for Me an offering.”

You would think He would say “give me an offering” not “take,” as they were being instructed to contribute from themselves and give something to build the Place of Worship.

This was a community of newly redeemed slaves; they were broken and deflated from generations of oppression. Their spirits were crushed, and although physically freed, they still had the mentality of the downtrodden.

By G-d requesting their partnership and help in building the Tabernacle, He was giving them a sense of community, of belonging, and of importance. Having the space to contribute, a sense of being needed, and the confidence that one has the capacity to give and something of value to offer is far more significant than receiving.

When G-d requested from them to contribute- we was in essence giving them more than they were giving Him. That act of welcoming this nation of former slaves into a partnership with Him and elevating them to a community of givers was an act of true redemption. Therefore, in a way they were “taking”, even as they were giving.

Making space for another to express themselves fully and to be able to give meaningfully is the most important gift one can give.