The Nefesh’s Attribute of Giving
The Mishkan was built with the donations of Bnei Yisrael. This is because the Mishkan was established to create a location where the Shechinah resides, and the Shechinah resides in a place where there is generosity.
In a person’s heart, there are two opposing strengths: (a) to give (b) to receive. Most people are more interested in receiving, but with repeated giving, peoples’ nature will change, and giving will become their greatest joy and desire.
Practical Application
A person should seek to do a chesed, at least once a day. He shouldn’t go to sleep at night if he didn’t perform a deed of kindness that day. A small, kind deed is sufficient, but it has to be every day. When he does deeds of kindness, his intention should be to turn himself into a kind, benevolent person, and not someone who thinks solely about himself. In this manner, he will resemble the Shechinah Who gives constantly.
“Everyone whose heart motivates him should bring it as a gift for Hashem...” (Shemos 35:5)
