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B"H

Thursday, Adar 25, 5777 / March 23, 2017

 

This Shabbat we read the last two Parshiot of the book of Shmot (Exodus) – Vayakhel& Pekudei.

 

In Parshat Vayakhel, we read that the people donated so generously for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) that Moshe had to announce not to bring any more contributions. In Parshat Pekudei, we read how Moshe gives an exact accountingof all the gold, silver and copper donated and how they were used.

 

Our sages say that Moshe did this to eliminate any doubt among the people that he personally may have gained from the contributions. Moshe was a selfless leader of his people with no personal gain.

 

One must be very careful with people’s perception. According to Halacha (Jewish law) when one goes around collecting for charity and at the same time receives payment for a personal loan, they should not put that money in their pocket. Someone may suspect that they are taking charity money for personal use. Instead, their money should also be put in the charity basket or box. Only when they return home, can they take out whatever is theirs.

 

In Europe, Magidim (preachers) would travel from place to place to deliver Torah sermons. Then there was a collection made for them. 

 

Once, a Magid came to the city of Premishlan, where Rabbi Meir was rabbi. The Magid delivered a brilliant sermon on Shabbat. After Shabbat, he was presented with the amount of money that was collected for him. However, he wasn't pleased with the amount.

 

Before leaving town, he visited Rabbi Meir's home to say good-bye. He noticed that people came to Rabbi Meir to ask his advice and receive his blessings. In return, they left generous contributions so that Rabbi Meir could help the poor and needy .

 

"I don't understand," remarked the Magid to Rabbi Meir, "Why do people give you so generously; while for my sermon, they gave very little?"

 

"It's simple," replied Rabbi Meir with a smile. "When a person learns from a Rabbi or Magid, he becomes the role model. The person strives to be like the Rabbi or Magid. The townspeople know that I have little desire for money. I give it away to the poor. So, they too, are willing to give.”

 

"But you give sermons so youcan earn money for yourself. When the townspeople see that, they imitate you and are reluctant to part with it because they too want the money for themselves!"

 

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY

 

On the  10th  Yartzeit anniversary, of Margaret Zoldan, we  remember her  for her love to her family, and for her  kindness to all who knew her.

May the Neshamah have an aliyah in Gan Eden.

Andre, Esther, Zachary, Benjamin, Jonah.