By Rabbi Lazer Gurkow
In Fiddler on the Roof, a memorable moment arises when Per chick declares, "Money is the world's curse," and Tevye responds, "May the Lord smite me with it." Money is often a source of friction in human relationships. Many marital disputes and court cases revolve around financial matters. Yet, it can also be a source of inspiration. Warren Buffet’s 2006 donation of eighty-five billion dollars to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation inspired global philanthropy. Philanthropy begets philanthropy—generosity inspires others to give.
Money itself is neither a curse nor a blessing; our attitude toward it shapes the outcome. When we view money merely as a means to fulfill our desires, it fuels greed. This greed is amplified when we see others hoarding wealth. But when money is used for spreading happiness, goodwill, and charity, it inspires us to overcome greed and contribute to the common good.
This principle explains why Moses gathered the people before building the Tabernacle. After the powerful experience at Sinai, where the nation unified with a single purpose, Moses wanted to recreate that unity in the Tabernacle. Moses recognized that the greatest barrier to unity is money, and thus, addressed this issue before beginning the fundraising campaign for the Tabernacle.
Before announcing the campaign, Moses shared the law, "You shall not kindle a fire in all your dwellings on Shabbat." While seemingly unrelated to the Tabernacle, this law is deeply connected to unity. Fire is a metaphor for passion. On Shabbat, our passion should not be directed toward material comforts or the beauty of our homes. This lesson must extend throughout the week: money is not just a means to satisfy our needs and desires but a tool to promote holiness and goodwill.
Our sages taught that gold was created for the Tabernacle. While we may keep extra gold for ourselves, its primary purpose is to serve the Divine cause. Money should not be used simply for personal gain but for a higher purpose. Fire also symbolizes anger and divisiveness. When we see money as a means to spread holiness, it no longer breeds conflict. Instead of fighting over our share, we work together to use money for the common good.
Once the people internalized this truth, they gave generously to the Tabernacle. The fundraising was so successful that donors were eventually asked to stop contributing! They had learned that money’s true purpose is not for hoarding but for uniting people and advancing a divine cause.
