Gemstones at the bottom of the list?
In this week’s Torah portion, G-d asks the people of Israel to contribute toward the building of the Mishkan and its vessels. The Torah carefully lists the materials donated, beginning with gold, silver, and copper, continuing with wood, oil, and other simpler materials.
But then, at the very end of the list, comes a surprise,
Precious stones. The “Shoham” gemstones and the “fitting” gemstones that would later be set into the High Priest’s breastplate.
Why are the most valuable stones mentioned last? Wouldn’t it make more sense to list diamonds and gems alongside gold and silver?
The commentators explain that those who donated the precious stones did so after everyone else, but with less enthusiasm. The Torah subtly teaches us that how we give, matters more than what we give.
The simple materials, wood and oil were donated with excitement, generosity, and a willing heart. Because of that, they were more precious in G-d’s eyes than gemstones given later, without passion. G-d does not ask us to give what we do not have. He does not demand grand offerings beyond our reach. He asks only that we give what we do have with joy, gratitude, and wholehearted enthusiasm.
When we are happy with what we have, and when we give from it our very best, we do something extraordinary:
We build not only a Mishkan in the desert, but a sanctuary within our own hearts.
May we learn to appreciate our blessings, small and great, and to give from them generously, lovingly, and with joy.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Zalman & Esty
