TRUMAH

"SPEAK UNTO [DABER] TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL, AND THEY SHALL TAKE FOR ME AN OFFERING..." (Shmos 25:2)

The Baal HaTurim cites a Midrash which explains that the Torah invokes the word "daber" to indicate consolation and appeasement. Just as at the time of the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, Hashem tells Yishaya the prophet to console and appease a broken-hearted and broken-spirited people with the words, "Dabru Al Lev Yerushalayim" (Yishaya 40:2), so too here, the word daber refers to words of consolation and appeasement. Here the consolation was necessary, according to the Midrash, because this commandment involved a financial deprivation. Since the Klal Yisroel were being asked by Hashem to contribute from their own resources toward the building of the Mishkan, they had to be addressed in a soothing and appeasing manner in order to ease the burden of giving.

This is mystifying. We know (Bechoros 40a) that when Klal Yisroel left Egypt they left with fabulous wealth. Each member of Klal Yisroel possessed 80 camels laden with gold, silver, precious gems, and pearls. We also know that what they were requested to give was a mere half Shekel per person and an additional free will offering of anything they wished to contribute. Surely this is hardly a sum that would make any dent whatsoever in their financial portfolio. If so is it conceivable that people with such substantial wealth would be so grieved in contributing a mere half Shekel that it would warrant Hashem telling Moshe to console and appease them?

Moreover, who is it that is asking them to contribute? Hashem Himself who redeemed this enslaved and poverty-stricken nation from bondage to freedom, and bestowed upon them all the incredible wealth that they possess. Is it possible that the Klal Yisroel should feel pained to contribute this trifling sum to the one who gave them all their massive wealth?

Moreover, for whose benefit is the Mishkan, that they are being asked to contribute to? It is for none other than the Klal Yisroel's own benefit. The Mishkan is the pride and glory of the Klal Yisroel. It provided a means of receiving Divine forgiveness and served as an avenue of self-purification. Can it be that a nation could feel pain in contributing to a Mishkan being built for their own benefit?

Furthermore, who are these people being asked to contribute? They were the Dor Deah - the greatest generation that ever lived. They were the generation privileged to cross the Yam Suf, where the lowliest handmaiden had visions of prophecy beyond those of the holy prophet Yechezkel Ben Buzi. They were the generation who were privileged to stand at Har Sinai and receive the Holy Torah. They were privy to the greatest manifestation of Divine Revelation since the creation of the world. Is it conceivable that people of such inordinate spiritual loftiness would feel so pained to contribute, that it would be necessary for Moshe Rabbeinu to speak words of consolation unto them?

We see from this Midrash some insight into the human nature of man. Wealthy people of the highest spiritual distinction when asked by their own Divine benefactor to donate a negligible amount of Tzedaka for their own benefit, feel hurt to give. Hashem must tell Moshe Rabbeinu to placate and console them. How powerful is the Yetzer HaRah within us who convinces us not to part with that which came from our "Kochi VeOtzem Yadi strength and power of hand", when in reality, it was Hashem who has bestowed upon us all that we have, in order to share with and help others. May this Midrash inspire us to stand guard against this deficiency existing within us. May we be zoche to understand the joy of giving and sharing, and to open our hearts to the majestic Mitzvah that is Tzedakah. Amen.