Dvar Torah - Parashat Va-Yakhel-Pekudei
The process of building the sanctuary, making its utensils and the preparation of the priestly garments. In the midst of the many details we are told of the great generosity of the people during this activity.
So much so that Moses has to stop them, as it is written:
Moses had this proclamation made throughout the camp: Let no man or woman makes further effort toward gifts for the sanctuary! So the people stopped bringing… (Exodus, 36,6)
Quite a few commentators point out the similarity between the enthusiasm here and that of the people during the sin of the golden calf.
Here is an example of one of them: (Jerusalem Talmud, tractate Shekalim, Chapter1, halacha 1)
`Every generous soul brought` (Exodus 35, 22), Rabbi Yehuda the son of Pazi in the name of Rebbi: Can one read this and not be shocked?
For the good: `Every generous soul`, for evil: And all the people (took off the gold rings…Exodus 35,22)
Rebbi, in examining the two texts, emphasized the danger inherent in religious enthusiasm (fervor). Compared to the sin of the golden calf, which attracted all the people, we have in our case only the generous souls, not all the people.
Let it be G-d`s will that our actions be from generosity of soul, that we know to curb religious (and ideological) fervor with a good dose of wisdom, and that we be aware of the appropriate time to refrain from action as much as we are devoted to action itself.
Shabbat Shalom!
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Rabbis for Human Rights recommends that you read these articles in Pequde
- Dvar Torah - Parashat Va-Yakhel-Pekudei - July 9th, 2007
- Pequde: Maintaining our belief in the goodness of people. - March 11th, 2005
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