“Take from yourselves an offering to Hashem. Every person whose heart impels him to generosity shall bring an offering to Hashem…(Exodus 35:5).
The Hebrew word m’itchem – “from yourselves”, implies an inner, personal initiative. The impulse to give comes from within.
Often, people are only motivated to contribute to worthy causes when they hear that others are giving. They are moved by peer pressure or a sense of embarrassment if they don’t give. This kind of giving is externally motivated and is not flowing from a sense of inner conviction.
By Rabbi Michael Skobac
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