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Drash for Shabbat Vayakhel-Pekudei/Ha Chodesh By Jon Wolf - March 16, 2007 In this week's portion Moses returns from forty days and nights on Mt. Sinai bearing a second set of tablets. He has instructions from God concerning building the tabernacle; a portable place in which to pray until they settle in the Holy Land. God has forgiven the rebellion in which golden idol was worshipped. Moses has convinced God to give the Jews another chance to prove they are worthy, that they are good. The instructions from God are quite detailed. In them the command to observe Shabbat is again repeated. God commands the giving of the items needed to build the Tabernacle. He commands the work of those who are skilled. He clearly details the building itself. With reference to the giving of items it is stated that "…everyone whose heart is so moved shall bring gifts for the Eternal: gold, silver, and copper; fine linen and yarns; tanned ram skins and dolphin skins." It later states, "The people are bringing more than is needed for the tasks entailed in the work that the Eternal has commanded to be done." This to me is reflective of the Jews nature to give. The joy we receive by knowing that taking care of ourselves is not exclusive of taking care of others. My favorite part of "Fiddler on the Roof" is when Tevya offers bread to the starving student, Perchik. Perchik, obviously hungry responds, "I have no money and I am not a beggar. Tevya says, "Ah, take it. It’s a blessing for me to give." Perchik: "Very well, for your sake I’ll take it" This is what being a Jew means to me. Doing for others, taking care of others, before taking care of yourself. Being a Jew breeds a great amount of respect for other people; their needs… their feelings. There is joy in giving. When morning after morning the people of Israel continued to bring offerings for the building of the Tabernacle, the artisans came to Moses and said, "The people are bringing more than is needed for the tasks entailed in the work that the Eternal has commanded to be done." After such an abundant outpouring of gifts Moses finally said, "Let no man or woman make further effort toward gifts for the sanctuary." Although the Temple board has never requested a stoppage of gifts, it is unlikely the members of Temple, or for that matter the Jews of the world would ever stop giving. It is in our nature to help our fellow man. There is more prosperity, more joy, in giving of oneself than in keeping to oneself. Shabbat Shalom.
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