Timing of the Mishkan

Two significant events followed the Giving of the Torah: The sin of the Golden Calf and the command to make the Mishkan. Which one occurred first?

Three Opinions

Three opinions when the command to build the Mishkan and when the people actually bought the donations (corresponds to the three (spiritual) levels of gold, silver and copper).

Spiritual LevelMetalCommand to Build the MishkanActual Bringing of DonationsSourceTzadikכסףBefore 17th of TamuzBefore 17th of TamuzZoharPenitentזהבAfter Yom KippurAfter Yom KippurRashi & MedrashBefore TeshuvaנחשתBefore 17th of TamuzAfter Yom KippurRamban

Teaching: Tzadik, Baal Teshuvah, or one even prior to Teshuvah, are empowered together with all Jews by the means of physical mitzvos to build G-d’s home.

לקוטי שיחות (רבי ממ"ש) חלק ו' פרשת תרומה