The nation's partnership in creating the Mishkan
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An Egalitarian Obligatory Contribution
Haftarot: Shekalim
Rabbi Mosheh LichtensteinYoash suggests that funds be collected for the Temple through the priests. Why does he think this is the best way, and why does the system later change, and the money collected in a box directly in the Temple? The system is reminiscent to the Half Shekel contribution, and the anonymity enables a degree of equality in the nation's participation in the Temple. This prevents donors to contribute only in order to enhance their social status.
Teruma, Shekalim, and Purim: Unity and the Half-Shekel
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 18 minutesTeruma and Shekalim deal with the instructions for the Mikdash (the Mishkan) –the apparent peak of avodat Hashem. Purim, which comes around this time, is the opposite of that spectrum: Jewish assimilation -only oming together because of a threat. Beginning with Parashat Shekalim, we explore the common denominator between these two extremes: appreciating what makes us similar. The half-hekel and the service of the Kohanim remind us that we are part of something greater. The half shekel needs something to complete it, and the purpose of the Kohanim is to represent Bnei Yisrael. At times, we need to be lowered from our high horses, and must remember that we are part of a greater whole.
Ramban on Vayakhel Pekudei
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 34 minutesWhat qualities are we looking for in artisans who would build the Mishkan? We would think craftsmanship -but did the Israelite Mishkan artisans have any training, or were they inspired by God with a spirit of voluntarism and goodwill?
We are looking for spiritual qualities to build a physical mishakan for for spiritual purpose. Why was Betzalel the best? He was the most singled out because he had the best spiritual qualities-always tasked with the jobs with the highest spiritual import, beause he had the wisdom, insight, and understanding for this spiritual endeavor.