The Call for Generosity
This week’s Parsha, VaYakheil, continues and concludes the description of how the components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) were fashioned. As we have learned, there was no taxation for this purpose. Rather, the people were informed of the materials needed for the construction of the Sanctuary, its vessels, and the priestly garments.
In addition to these very special materials, skilled craftsmen and craftswomen were required—individuals whom Hashem had endowed with wisdom and talent. They were invited to transform the raw materials into the intricately crafted vessels and garments designated for the Temple service.
Moshe’s building campaign was extremely successful, as people gave with unbounded generosity. So much so that Moshe was informed that the people were bringing more than was necessary for the project. Upon hearing this, he sent out a message instructing everyone to stop donating. When was the last time anyone heard of a charitable cause exceeding its fundraising goals and asking donors to refrain from giving? Just asking.
The Dual Nature of Man
What can we learn from this overwhelming eagerness to contribute—to the extent that the people literally had to be told, “enough”? Man is a complex emotional being. From history and current affairs, we are well aware of his darker side. We cannot ignore his capacity for atrocious behavior toward his fellow man.
[This evil side of man is currently on full display by the Islamic terrorists of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, among others. They are fully supported by another class of terrorists who afflict Jews with vile protests on American and other Western campuses and televised public venues. The so-called “ordinary” citizens of Gaza support Hamas and cheer when coffins containing the remains of slain Jews—including babies subjected to cruel torture—are handed over to the Red Cross. While we must not show mercy to these villains, relocating them to other more suitable places would be an act of great kindness and a necessary step in uprooting terrorism from Gaza.]
However, despite man’s inhumanity, that is not the full story. Within this same being exists, alongside his evil inclination, a deep-seated ‘need’ to give and to do ‘noble’ deeds. While it is true that people have a strong desire to receive, the urge to give is equally compelling. Even thieves and criminals experience this desire—though what they “generously” give does not necessarily belong to them. This is what is known as the "Robin Hood" morality of stealing from the rich to give to the poor. This is a tactic that many politicians seem to have perfected.
[It is important to note that Judaism lends no sanction to such misguided behavior. Stealing, even for a seemingly worthy cause, remains a crime, and one may not accept donations from tainted sources.]
The Deeper Meaning of Giving
Why is charitable giving such a compelling and fulfilling endeavor? At a certain point, a person may come to realize that he is not, in the grand scheme of things, particularly significant. To live purely for oneself is a narrow and ultimately unsatisfying existence.
Man longs for a ‘purpose’ that grants meaning to his life. He cannot attain true happiness merely by securing his bodily and material needs, for “it is not by bread alone that man exists” (Devarim 8:3). Without a greater purpose, he is likely to feel empty and depressed.
To counter this sense of meaninglessness, a person seeks to marry, build a family, contribute to the needs of his community, and help others. He may volunteer his time to mentor youth, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. If he is able to positively impact another person’s life, he will acknowledge that this brings him the greatest joy.
The Israelites’ Willingness to Give
Immediately prior to the Exodus, Bnei Yisrael (Children of Israel) were instructed to request gifts of silver, gold, and clothing from their Egyptian neighbors, who responded with great generosity and bountifulness. Not long after, the call went out for contributions toward the construction of the Mishkan. One might expect that these former slaves would hesitate to part with their newfound wealth. However, they already understood the great Jewish teaching that material possessions are not an end in themselves, but are best used to facilitate lofty spiritual ideals. And so, they gave with enthusiasm.
It is also important to recognize that one’s giving should not be limited to others; a person has a responsibility to give to himself as well. To truly benefit others, one must cultivate his own moral and intellectual development. The more wisdom and understanding a person attains, the greater his capacity to positively influence others. In this way, the pursuit of knowledge and good deeds benefits both the individual and the world around him.
May we merit to achieve this noble goal.
Shabbat Shalom.
