Terumah: Give a Little Bit

Parashat Terumah begins the preparations for the construction of the Mishkan (tabernacle), the portable sanctuary that will accompany the Israelites as they make their way through the wilderness.  This is simultaneously a work of engineering and a work of art, and it is no easy undertaking.  In fact, it is "all hands on deck" as every Israelite is asked to contribute "as his [or her] heart so moves him [or her]."

At once, a sort of "donation fever" seems to grip the community, and soon after making the call for contributions, Moses has to put a stop to the gifts.  The people have been so generous that the artisans and engineers now have more than enough supplies on hand with which to construct the Mishkan.

We read that when the Israelites finally prepared to leave Egypt, their Egyptian neighbors offered them many gifts.  Whether these contributions truly were made freely, with an open heart, or whether the attitude of the Egyptians was "Just take what you want and leave us alone," we are led to understand that this is where the Israelites acquired any items of value they had in their possession.  Surely, for a people that is now nomadic, blessed by God to have their material needs accounted for, but uncertain as to when they will again have a permanent address, owning such items provided some sense of security: at least they had some wealth.  At least they weren't fully destitute!

Yet despite the fact that their possessions were meager, the Israelites showed tremendous willingness to relinquish some (if not all, in some cases) of these prized possessions to contribute toward a cause in which they firmly believe (compare and contrast this action to the collection of gold and valuables taken a few chapters later for the construction of the Golden Calf).  They appreciate that their gifts toward this project will benefit the broader community, while hoarding these items for themselves will serve only them.

Certainly, there are differences between our circumstances and those enjoyed by the Israelites.  We would not ask any individual or family to give up every item of value for a community project.  But we can contribute to our community (whether through time, money, or other resources) in the same spirit of open-mindedness that our ancestors embraced.  One need only "give a little bit," so long as one does so in a spirit of love and generosity.

Please note, I do not own-- nor do I claim to own-- these songs.  Copyrights are held by the various artists.  I include them here for illustrative purposes.
Give a Little Bit- (Terumah, Exodus 25:1-27:19)

Music and lyrics by Rick Davies and Roger Hidgson, performed by Supertramp. From "Even in the Quietest Moments..." A&M Records, 1977.