Divrei Menachem

Divrei Menachem - Vayakhel P'kudei

As Parshat Vayakhel opens we are told, somewhat by way of summary, that in response to all the instructions associated with the preparation of the Mishkan, Moshe actually did as commanded and gathered every Jew, young and old, to do his or her share in making the plans operational.

Everybody, it seems, was inspired one way or another. And a the Torah describes how there was a surplus of free-will offerings of all kinds, from red-dyed ram skins to precious shoham stones, from turquoise wool to acacia woodnd spices and oil. But did everyone give with same vigor?

From the narrative we learn that, “Every man whose heart inspired him came [to bring a donation]; and everyone whose spirit motivated him brought the portion of Hashem for the work of the Tent of Meeting” (Sh’mot 35:21).

The Ohr Hachayim notes that there were two types of givers. There were those whose spirit motivated them, perhaps fleetingly, who gave what they could afford, voluntarily and wholeheartedly. There were, however, those whose hearts inspired [uplifted] them. These individuals gave more than they could afford, so great was their desire to participate in the building of the Mishkan. It makes one think: “To which category would I have belonged?”

Shabbat Shalom, Menachem Persoff

• Other Divrei Menachem
• Divrei Menachem for Parashat Nitzavim Vayeilech
• Divrei Menachem for Parashat Ki Tavo
• Divrei Menachem for Parashat Ki Teitzei