B"H

Monday, Adar1 20, 5782 / February 21, 2022

Parshat Vayakhel, which will be read this Shabbat, is about Moshe’s instructions to the Jewish people concerning their donations and contributions for the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).  

The Parsha gives a detailed accounting of everything that was donated for the construction of the Mishkan and its contents.

The Torah tells us that the people donated so generously that the craftsmen, who were in charge of the work, came to Moshe and said, “The people are bringing much more than is needed for the work which G-d has commanded to do.”

Moshe then made an announcement that no one should bring any more donations for the work of the Holy sanctuary.  The Torah tells us that the people contributed so much that there was a surplus.

*  Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Barditchev once asked another rabbi to accompany him in collecting money for a needy family, who were in great distress.

“I’m ready to come with you, but could you wait just a little while until I complete my daily recitation of Psalms?” asked the rabbi.

“Please come immediately,” insisted Rabbi Levi Yitzchak. “G-d has tens of thousand of angels who will sing His praises.. He can wait to hear yours...  But the poor man and his family are in immediate danger and they need our assistance now!”

*  Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Pshischa would say, “Money is like salt.  Salt in moderation improves the flavor of food.  If, however, one adds too much salt, the food becomes inedible. 

“The same is true with money.  In moderation, it improves one’s life.  If, however, a person becomes totally immersed in acquiring more and more money, it can get in the way of enjoying one’s family life..” 

*  A poor man came to a Chassidic Rebbe and cried his heart out, how he and his family were in dire need and that he needed help to buy even the most basic necessities. The Rebbe was very touched and gave him a sizable sum.

After the poor man left, the Rebbe asked that he return and he gave him an additional sum of money.

“Rebbe, why did you give him twice?” asked the people who were there.

The Rebbe replied, “When the poor man came to me and told me his sad story, I was very moved and

gave him a donation.  That, however, was not charity, for it was for my benefit, to alleviate my distress.

But, the second time I gave him.. was true Tzedakah-charity!”  

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY