Perashat Vayakhel 5776

Perashat Vayakhel 5776

As candidates run for office in a democratic society, we always hear calls for cutting taxes or increasing taxes. Their ultimate goal is the same; that is to increase the funds of the U.S. Treasury. One side thinks that by increasing taxes they can increase the funds of the Treasury directly; the other side thinks that by cutting taxes, they can increase the funds of the Treasury indirectly.  No side will tell you that their goal is to stop the flow of funds because the U.S. Treasury has enough money and does not need anymore. 

Perashat Vayakhel describes the gifts of gold, silver, copper, turquoise, purple and scarlet wool.  It also lists other gifts like linen, goat hair, red-dyed ram skin, tackash skins and acacia wood and oil and precious stones.  The Children of Israel brought these gifts to Moshe and the artisans for the construction of the Mishkan – Sanctuary.

At one point, the wise-hearted artisans informed Moshe “The people are bringing more than enough for all the work – and there was extra.” Moshe immediately instructed that an announcement be made throughout the encampment to stop the people from contributing more material for the Mishkan. 

The Torah specifically narrates this episode to praise the nation for their generosity, the artisans for their integrity and Moshe for his leadership in halting the collection. Where else in history can we read about a leadership that halts the contributions of its citizenry? Nowhere else in history do we see such a high level of integrity and honesty of the political leadership of a nation. Unlike many sovereignties today that are always collecting from their subjects to enrich themselves and their treasury, neither Moshe nor the artisans had any self-interest in the accumulation of wealth. 

To continue accepting more than needed gold and silver – or any other donation -  would have led to corruption and an abuse of power. It would have created a culture of ego and entitlement on the part of leadership, thus perpetuating an atmosphere of wealth that has no control. It would also have led to the wasting of resources of the people. There are the two principal dangers that often destroy leaders and their leadership: the use of their office for inappropriate personal gain and for power and control to the detriment of others.

As we mark the reading of Perashat Shekalim this Shabbat, we are reminded to use our own volition to demonstrate our love and dedication to our Torah by participating in the Mahasit HaShekel.

In a moment of great “inappropriate opportunities” for Moshe and the artisans, we learn of their impeccable integrity and unsullied leadership.  May we all learn from the role models that Hashem has so wisely provided for us.