PARSHAT TERUMAH – GOLD, SILVER AND COPPER · Sukkat Shalom B'nei Noach

בס”ד

This Torah portion is about the donations that were given for the purpose of building the portable Mishkan, the Tabarnacle. In the Torah, during the construction of the Tabernacle, the materials contributed by the people are categorized into three primary metals: “And this is the offering which you shall take from them: Gold, Silver, and Copper.” Our Sages teach that these three metals represent three distinct levels of giving. What is the meaning of these three levels for Noahides?

Gold is the most precious of materials, representing the ideal form of contribution. In Hebrew, Zahav serves as an acronym for:”This is the one who gives while healthy.” This refers to a person who gives while at the peak of their strength—physically, mentally, and financially. They do not give out of fear or pressure, but out of a free-willed recognition of the importance of repairing the world. In the spiritual realm, this is the service of one whose connection to the Creator is proactive.

Silver represents the second degree. In Hebrew, Kessef serves as an acronym for: “When there is a danger of fear.” This refers to one who gives because they are facing a challenge. Perhaps they feel the pressures of the world, worry about their future, or seek Divine protection. While the motivation is sparked by hardship, the individual strengthens themselves and chooses to give despite the fear and the obstacles.

The third degree is Copper. In Hebrew, Nechoshet hints at: “The gift of the sick who said ‘Give’.” This represents a lower state of giving—often done at the last moment or when one feels spiritually or physically weak. Spiritually, “Copper” symbolizes a person who feels ill, perhaps feeling distant from the source of life and truth, only remembering to contribute when they feel hardship.

The Torah recognizes that we are not always at the level of “Gold.” Sometimes we give out of fear, and sometimes out of a sense of spiritual distance. Copper is necessary to build the Tabernacle as well. For B’nai Noah, charity (Tzedakah) is far more than just a “good deed” or a voluntary act of kindness. It represents walking in the ways of G-d Who recreates the entire creation at any moment with His infinite kindness. While charity is not explicitly listed as one of the Seven Universal Commandments, it is an essential branch of the Commandment of Laws (Dinim), to create a rectified society.

The Creator desires that every human being, in whatever state they find themselves, contributes to the settlement of the world. Every person has the power to draw the Divine Presence into this world and fulfill the purpose of creation: transforming this realm into a dwelling place for Hashem.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

Source: Sefer Hashichot 1989 Vol. 1 page 262. Genesis 18:19 (Abraham’s Legacy): “For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice”. Tractate Sanhedrin 56b. Laws of Kings, 10:10. Isaiah 56:1: “Thus says the Lord ‘Keep justice, and do righteousness for My salvation is near to come”

If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN