The Moody Blues said it well: "And when you stop and think about it, you won't believe it's true: that all the love you've been giving, has all been meant for you."


But they weren't the first to say it: Rabbi Dessler, for example, says it, too, when he explains why the root of "love" - ahavah is hav, which means "to give." If you want someone to love you, give to him; he will then give to you in return, and that will create an ongoing loving relationship.


But the first to expound this principle, of course, is HaShem, in this week's sedra, when He tells Moshe: "Speak to B'nei Yisrael that they may take for Me a gift." "Take" rather than "give," because when you give from your heart, you receive much, much more in return.


That is why the Hebrew word natan ("gave") - nun, tav, nun - is the same backwards and forwards. Giving creates an endless cycle of more giving, until giving and taking fuse into

The Hebrew word natan ("gave") is the same backwards and forwards.

one.


This, of course, is the essence of everymitzvah. You think you are giving to another - be it to a person or to HaShem - but the reality is that you yourself are the real recipient. Shabbat, prayer, tzedakah, fasting on Yom Kippur - the beneficiary of every mitzvah is you.


The story is told of Rabbi Eliezer Gordon, founder of the Telz Yeshiva, who studied for many years through the generous support of his father-in-law. Many times, he wanted to take a rabbinic position, but his father-in-law convinced him to stay on a bit longer and continue his learning. Finally, Rabbi Gordon felt he must utilize his learning and share it by serving a community (the Eisheshok kehilah).


"I cannot allow you to continue to support me," Rabbi Gordon told his benefactor.


The latter whispered under his breath, "I'm not sure who is actually supporting whom."


On the very day that Rabbi Gordon finally moved to his new position, his father-in-law had a heart attack and died. It was then clear who was giving and who was receiving.


Perhaps, now we understand why, in our parsha, Am Yisrael is first commanded to contribute to the Mishkan, and only then commanded to build the Mishkan. It should have been the opposite; HaShem should have said, 'Here is My plan for a Mishkan. Now, here is how you will get the materials - by donating."


But that's the point. You don't merit having a Mishkan, a repository of G-d's holiness, unless you first are giving people. Learn to selflessly give of yourself - your time, your money and your energy - and you will become the architect of your own personal Mishkan, in which the Almighty will be absolutely delighted to dwell.