The Parasha Terumah that we read this Shabbat, begins with the words “Veikchu li Terumah”, take for me an offering, referring to the construction of the sanctuary in the desert, a place where God was going to be able to dwell there.
In this calling lies a profound revelation: in giving, we are taking the opportunity to participate in the flow of divine providence. We are urged to offer the best of ourselves, symbolized in gold, silver and copper. In this sacred transaction, we understand that the quality and intent of our contribution will also determine the nature of what we will receive.
It is important to understand that generosity is not only manifested in material resources, but also in the attitude with which we give. It is meaningful to offer from the heart, with love, humility and joy, recognizing that true wealth lies in our ability to share with others. By engaging in authentic giving, we experience a spiritual elevation that connects us to God on a higher level.
The essence of generosity lies in the understanding that, in reality, human beings are administrators of the resources that God gives us, and by emulating God’s mercy and goodness, we become channels through which generosity flows. abundance. Wealth is not required to practice charity; It is enough to offer what is within our reach with sincerity and compassion.
There is a principle of the Torah that says the following: Giving is receiving. In reality, when you give, you receive more than you offer. This teaching, passed down by our sages throughout the generations, takes on crucial meaning in times of adversity and prosperity alike.
In our tradition, we find the notion of Tzedaka, charity that transcends mere benevolence to become an act of connection with the divine, since the moment we decide to give, we are doing justice, Tzedaka comes from the word justice.
We are taught that in times of difficulty, by reaching out to give, we receive an abundance that transcends the material. This understanding leads us to recognize that everything comes from the divine source and that, by sharing our resources with those in need, we are strengthening our bond with divine generosity.
The Torah, in its infinite wisdom, exhorts us to cultivate compassion and generosity as fundamental pillars of our existence. As we embrace these virtues, we open ourselves to receiving the blessings that Hashem has in store for us. By acting with kindness and mercy, we align ourselves with divine will and become perpetual recipients of its abundance.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Refael Cohen