Thoughts that Count

These are the accounts of the Tabernacle (Ex. 38:21)
Moses fully accounted for all the materials which went into crafting the Tabernacle. We can understand why he listed exactly how much gold, silver and gems were used; they are highly valuable. But why did he account precisely for the copper, which has so little comparative value? The copper was not a compulsory tax. The Torah recognizes that it is often those who give "freely" but less than they are truly able who demand the strictest accounting of every penny. For they are ever on the lookout for an excuse not to give any more. (Der Torah Kvall)

Reprinted from the Parshat Pekudei 5752/1992 edition of L’Chaim Weekly.