"Every Man and Woman whose heart motivated them to bring for any of the work that Hashem had commanded to make through Moshe, the children of Israel brought a free willing offering to Hashem” chapter 35-verse 29.
The wording is redundant in the verse as it says every man and woman brought with a motivated heart, and then the children of Israel willingly gave? Wouldn’t it make more sense to say all of Bnei Israel made many contributions with a full heart?
Rav Yonatan Eibishitz shares with us what took place behind the scenes. The Eirav Rav came to Moshe to bring gifts for the Mishkan. Bnei Yisroel were very upset with them because they made the golden calf that separated the nation from Hashem. The building of the Mishkan was now a way to rectify that mistake. The Eirev Rav came with a lot of money and wanted to buy their way back into the nation. The Jewish people were so burnt from the whole mishap of the golden calf, that they wanted to just stay away from these people, they are bad news. They felt that things go wrong when they are involved. However, now that they offered all this money, with a full heart, it would be wrong not to accept it as the Mishkan would lose out. So what do they do?
Rav Yonatan explained that whatever money was needed, Bnei Yisrael took note and contributed without the participation of the Eirav Rav. Now the wording of the pasuk makes sense; every man and woman, which was the Eirav Rav, had real motivation to bring to the house of Hashem. But the children of Israel did not let that happen; they paid for it.
This is a lesson illustrating the correct way to right a wrong. Many times people in a community may have reason to complain as they perceive things done, as wrong. They may protest to their friends and grumble to others in disappointment. Some make demonstrations and chant their message, and scream their views to express their dissatisfaction.
What are we really willing to do about our complaints? Are we willing to stick our hands into our pocket and pay, to make something right? If one protests or objects but is not willing to do something, it carries no weight at all. The Torah is teaching that actions speak louder than words; if you want to be heard, you need to get involved.
I know that in our community, we are people of action, and as we forge ahead with building and creating programs and projects, I have great appreciation to all our men and women of action. May we see lots of success.
Shabbat Shalom
