And they shall give--venatnu--every man, a ransom for his soul to G-d (Ex. 30:12)
The Hebrew word “venatnu” (they shall give), spelled vav, nun, tav, nun, vav, is read the same from left to right or right to left. This teaches us that when a person gives charity, he should not worry that he will suffer any lack, for the goodness he sows will be returned to him as in return.
This shall they give, every one that passes among those who are numbered (Ex. 30:13)
The commentator Rashi explains: G-d showed Moses a coin of fire and said, “Like this shall they give,” to teach us that when a person gives charity he should do it with fiery enthusiasm. (Sefer HaDarush)
The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel (Ex. 30:15)
“The rich shall not give more” is a mitzva that many wealthy people are very meticulous in keeping. In fact, it is rare to find one who has ever transgressed. (Derashot El Ami)
The above verse can also be interpreted to mean “the rich will not be increased, and the poor will not be lessened.” The wealthy person must realize that he will not increase his fortune by being miserly. Similarly, a poor person will not become poorer if he gives to charity. (Imrei Shefer)
And Aaron called out and said, A feast unto the L-rd is tomorrow (Ex. 32:5)
How could Aaron, who was extremely righteous, have lied by referring to the making of the Golden Calf as “a feast unto the L-rd”? Actually, we see that his words were prophetic, as the day on which the Golden Calf was made (and the Tablets of the Law subsequently broken by Moses) was the 17th of Tamuz: Although in our times that date is observed by fasting, when Moshiach comes it will be transformed into “a time of joy and gladness, and a cheerful feast to the house of Judah” (Zachariah 8:19). (Maayana Shel Torah)
