In this week’s parshiot, Vayakhel-Pikudei, the Torah speaks about the building of the Mishkan, but specifically the contributions that Bnei Israel donated. Yet, the Torah previously spoke about this same commandment in Parsha Tremuah and Tetzaveh. Why is this repetition important?
Rashi notes that the princes of each tribe pledged to donate last with everything that would be missing. They underestimated the enthusiasm and generosity that their people had while donated and all that was left were the gems for the kohen gadol’s breastplate that weren’t available to them in the desert.
Since the princes did not put in the effort and enthusiasm like the rest of their people, the word for princes in the Torah was written defectively. While it should say nesiim, it is missing the hebrew letter yud. Although the value of their gifts were far greater than the other contributions, it is the effort and enthusiasm that counts, not the cost.
Shabbat Shalom!
By: Rina Reich (12th Grade)