Tetsaveh

In this week’s parasha the Israelites are asked by God to bring their precious possessions for the creation of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).  Every person was asked to bring what they thought was appropriate and best.  And what did the Israelites do?  The showered the leaders with their most precious possessions. Two ideas underlay this generosity of spirit:
1.    The Jewish people were being given an opportunity to fix, do teshuva, for the sin of the golden calf.  In their exuberance to craft an idol they brought gold and silver.  Should they do less for the Holy One, blessed be He?  
Still, they are not commanded; it was up to them to donate what their heart determined was best.
2.    Sometimes we get excited over novelties (think of new computers, clothes, cars, technologies, etc.) when we really ought o to be stirred by the Rock of our lives, the steadfast Presence that never leaves us.
In this week’s Torah we celebrate the vitality, wonder and joy of our people in creating a magnificent place of worship dedicated to the one God.  Should we do no less by supporting Torah in our town and community and world?

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