בס”ד
A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT VAYAKHEL 5785
LESSONS FOR TODAY’S WORLD
| And everyone who excelled in ability and everyone whose spirit was moved came, bringing to Hashem an offering for the work of the Tent of Meeting and for all its service and for the sacral vestments. | וַיָּבֹ֕אוּ כָּל־אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נְשָׂא֣וֹ לִבּ֑וֹ וְכֹ֡ל אֲשֶׁר֩ נָֽדְבָ֨ה רוּח֜וֹ אֹת֗וֹ הֵ֠בִ֠יאוּ אֶת־תְּרוּמַ֨ת יְ”הֹוָ֜ה לִמְלֶ֨אכֶת אֹ֤הֶל מוֹעֵד֙ וּלְכָל־עֲבֹ֣דָת֔וֹ וּלְבִגְדֵ֖י הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ | |
| Men and women, all whose hearts moved them, all who would make an elevation offering of gold to Hashem, came bringing brooches, earrings, rings, and pendants —gold objects of all kinds. | וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֖ים עַל־הַנָּשִׁ֑ים כֹּ֣ל | נְדִ֣יב לֵ֗ב הֵ֠בִ֠יאוּ חָ֣ח וָנֶ֜זֶם וְטַבַּ֤עַת וְכוּמָז֙ כָּל־כְּלִ֣י זָהָ֔ב וְכָל־אִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֵנִ֛יף תְּנוּפַ֥ת זָהָ֖ב לַֽי”הֹוָֽה |
Moses gathered the entire Jewish people for a sacred moment, preparing to give them a new and special instruction about the construction of the Tabernacle, the dwelling place for G-d’s presence among them.
The people gathered, a diverse assembly, each with their own motivations. Some understood the significance of the project and contributed thoughtfully, giving what they could spare. Others were swept up in the excitement of the great endeavor and gave generously, sometimes beyond their means, without considering their own limitations.
G-d looked upon them all with love, for everything they gave was given with devotion. Yet, remarkably, the Scripture first mentions those who gave without hesitation, those who could most easily let go of what was most precious to them. This teaches us that when we give to G-d, we must offer what is truly dear to us.
For the women, their jewelry was among their most treasured possessions. They had refused to surrender it for the golden calf, forcing the men to give their own jewelry. But now, they offered it willingly and joyfully.
Why does Scripture specifically list these pieces of jewelry? It could have simply stated that the women gave their ornaments. This highlights an important truth: each person has something unique to offer G-d. My gift is not the same as yours, and in G-d’s eyes, no gift is greater or lesser—each one is precious.
Centuries later, some people drew deeper lessons from the jewels mentioned by Ibn Ezra. While Ibn Ezra simply identifies each piece of jewelry and where it was worn—the earrings on the ears, the nose rings, the finger rings, and the bracelets on the arms—later thinkers found symbolism in these items. They suggested that the jewelry could represent important lessons for parents, educators, and mentors:
- Earrings remind us of the importance of listening to teachings and wisdom.
- Nose rings symbolize the need to be discerning in choosing good influences, whether in personal or digital relationships.
- Finger rings represent the gentle guidance needed to lead others on the right path.
- Bracelets highlight the need for strength and firmness in maintaining direction and discipline.
The construction of the Tabernacle, while a historical event, carries a timeless message. It is not merely about building a physical dwelling for G-d but about creating an environment where His presence can be felt and His values lived.
Even today, we must build with the same dedication—a world where G-d can dwell. This means raising our children with love, respect, and values that empower them to serve both themselves and others. We must foster a society where no one is left behind, where everyone has the opportunity to grow and fulfill their potential.
Through our collective efforts, we can strengthen G-d’s presence in our world and be a source of inspiration and hope for generations to come.
How can we contribute today to a world where G-d’s presence is truly felt?ng holiness into their lives, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of creation: manifesting the Divine in the physical world.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for his feedback
Sources
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