As the momentous Sefer Shemot comes to a close, the Mishkan is erected and dedicated. We have now been transformed from a disparate group of great personalities into a full-fledged nation, complete with Torah and Tabernacle.
What is the "last word", the final lesson, in this saga?
Verse 39:33 states: "And they brought the Mishkan to Moshe." Rashi explains that the workmen were physically unable to lift the heavy weight of the building. Since Moshe was the only member of the nation who had not yet had a hand in the actual work of the Mishkan, HaShem wanted him to have a share, too. So He ordered the Mishkan brought to Moshe to erect.
Despite Moshe's great strength, he questioned if even he could lift the walls. Said HaShem: "You put your hand to the task and I will do the rest." As Moshe began to lift the wall, the Mishkan miraculously stood up by itself.
HaShem did a great "favor" for Moshe. He knew deep down that each of us wants to give, and derives satisfaction and joy from helping others. In this way, we emulate G-d, who is the ultimate Giver. And so, He found a way for Moshe - whose life was all about giving - to be part of this effort, too.
I recall fondly how I would pay a visit each year to Irving Stone, z.l., founder and CEO of American Greetings and great benefactor of the Jewish Outreach Center. I would always bring him a gift and he would always have a gift prepared for me, as well.
"But why are you giving me a gift?" I would ask him.
"Because I am indebted to you and others like you," he would say, "for you allow me to fulfill the great mitzvah of giving."
Lots of us don't "get it", but Irving definitely did.
This Shabbat is also Shabbat Shekalim and we read about the obligatory half-shekel used for communal offerings. While one could give to his/her heart's content for most things, this donation was a set amount, no more and no less, for all. The idea behind it was that every person deserved to share in the joy of giving, and even the poorest citizen could not be denied the privilege of presenting a gift.
As Shemot comes to an end, and as we start the final month of our calendar year, we close on this beautiful note: It is not better to give than to receive, nor is it better to receive than to give. It is, rather, one and the same.
What is the "last word", the final lesson, in this saga?
Verse 39:33 states: "And they brought the Mishkan to Moshe." Rashi explains that the workmen were physically unable to lift the heavy weight of the building. Since Moshe was the only member of the nation who had not yet had a hand in the actual work of the Mishkan, HaShem wanted him to have a share, too. So He ordered the Mishkan brought to Moshe to erect.
Despite Moshe's great strength, he questioned if even he could lift the walls. Said HaShem: "You put your hand to the task and I will do the rest." As Moshe began to lift the wall, the Mishkan miraculously stood up by itself.
HaShem did a great "favor" for Moshe. He knew deep down that each of us wants to give, and derives satisfaction and joy from helping others. In this way, we emulate G-d, who is the ultimate Giver. And so, He found a way for Moshe - whose life was all about giving - to be part of this effort, too.
I recall fondly how I would pay a visit each year to Irving Stone, z.l., founder and CEO of American Greetings and great benefactor of the Jewish Outreach Center. I would always bring him a gift and he would always have a gift prepared for me, as well.
"But why are you giving me a gift?" I would ask him.
"Because I am indebted to you and others like you," he would say, "for you allow me to fulfill the great mitzvah of giving."
Lots of us don't "get it", but Irving definitely did.
This Shabbat is also Shabbat Shekalim and we read about the obligatory half-shekel used for communal offerings. While one could give to his/her heart's content for most things, this donation was a set amount, no more and no less, for all. The idea behind it was that every person deserved to share in the joy of giving, and even the poorest citizen could not be denied the privilege of presenting a gift.
As Shemot comes to an end, and as we start the final month of our calendar year, we close on this beautiful note: It is not better to give than to receive, nor is it better to receive than to give. It is, rather, one and the same.