This week’s parshah opens with Hashem telling Moshe, “Speak to Bnei Yisrael and have them take for Me an offering from every person whose heart inspires him to generosity...” Rashi points out that of the three types of offerings that contributed to the building of the Mishkan, this terumah of gold, silver, and other valuable items was the only one that Hashem asked for rather than commanding the Yidden to provide it.
The Aron Eidus notes that this is why the parshah stresses that Moshe was to first “speak to” the Yidden and inspire them with the greatness of giving and the immense benefits that would result from the Mishkan — first and foremost among which was having Hashem’s open presence among them, constantly. Once the Yidden realized how much they stood to gain from the Mishkan, they would rush to give their precious items, and this is indeed what happened.
What is true of the great Mishkan is just as true of the miniature sanctuary of the Jewish home that each family builds and maintains. There too, if we merit it, the Shechinah will dwell. While marriage comes with a set of obligations as laid down in the kesubah, the real crafting of a holy dwelling-place for the Shechinah is based on voluntary donations, the gifts we give to one another not because we are required to, but because we want to.
Fulfilling our responsibilities forms the necessary foundation but a home cannot be built from duty alone. The feeling behind our giving is what gives the home its ambiance and when love and generous giving combine with these basic foundations, we can welcome Hashem into our homes each and every day of our lives.
