We see Moshe Rabbeinu gathering together all the children of Israel to address them. There's a fascinating story about Rabbi Yaakov of Hermilov and his son, Dov Berish who became the famous gaon of Tschebin. Young Dov Berish was known for delivering sermons even as a child. His father wanted to prepare his son to deliver sermons, and Rebbe Yaakov would teach young Dov Berish a nice Pshat on the Parsha.
This was a treat for the congregated who enjoyed the sharp minded boy and his style of delivery, which was done Shabbos in Shul after the Krias Hatorah. One week it happened that Rebbe Yaakov was preoccupied with a complex dispute among many of the residents of the city. The whole week was full of Din Toras, and Rebbe Yaakov couldn't find time and also the peace of mind to teach young Dov Berish a Dvar Torah.
However, this wouldn’t stop Dov Berish from delivering a sermon. He gathered his thoughts and was ready for his Drasha. Dov Berish was brilliant and intended to rebuke the residents for their Machlokes and lack of unity. After Krias Hatorah, Dov Berish stands by the Bima full of confidence and begins his Drasha. Moshe Rabbeinu gathered Klal Yisrael together.
The words l ¥` ̈“ §y ¦i i¥p §a z ©c£r l ̈M z ¤` d ¤W n l ¥d §w©i©e means he wanted all the Yidden to be together as one without Machlokes. Only when Moshe realized that there was Achdus and unity by Klal Yisrael, only then x ¤n` i©e, m ¤di ¥l £` he gave them his Drasha. Dov Berish continued: since there is no unity amongst you, I cannot give a Drasha, and walked off the Bima. The congregated got the message and the timely rebuke which was done with such brilliance and so clever, that they took it to heart and settled their differences. The following week, was a tranquil one for Rebbe Yaakov, who was able to prepare his son a masterful Drasha. That Shabbos, Dov Berish shone with a beautiful Drasha, and gave admiration to the congregation for settling their disputes, and making Shalom. This short account highlights the significance of unity to coming together for a common purpose. This was the intent of Moshe to always bring unity among the Yidden.
It is also mentioned another aspect of how Moshe brought all the Yidden together. According to Rashi, the term l ¥d §w©i©e "assembled" signifies that they were united through his words, not just physically gathered. Which is really hard to understand! This underscores the importance of giving with a willing heart and strong desire, especially during donations for the Mishkan. Contributions made without wholehearted intention weren't deemed suitable for the Mishkan.
Rabbi Moshe Shmuel Panett, the esteemed Chief Rabbi of Hidlomush, Hungary, a descendant of the Rebbe of Daish, further explains that the phrase ,x «¥z ed §e D® ̈z ` z e ́U£r ©l d− ̈k` ̈l §n ©d l %k §l m² ̈i ©c d¬ ̈z §i ̈d d À ̈k` ̈l §n©d §e "and the work was sufficient for all the work to make it". The word m² ̈i ©c indicates that heartfelt donations were enough. On the other hand, the final word x «¥z ed §e indicates "the remainder" that there was a surplus? The Rov answers that donations that made without full voluntary commitment were considered as "the remainder." Whereas, the donations that were given with full commitment were sufficient, as they were used for the mishkan and the utensils and clothing. This distinction underscores the value of giving sincerely and with generosity.
The idea that only those with generous hearts willingly brought their donations for the Mishkan conveys a powerful message. Moshe simply had to ask for contributions, and those with open hearts and a genuine desire to give came forward without needing to be gathered. This insight, emphasizes the beauty of Moshe Rabbeinu to foster unity.
(Yehuda Z. Klitnick)
