Weekly Dvar Torah: Transforming Wealth into Divine Purpose

Parshas Teruma opens with Hashem’s command to Moshe: “Speak to the children of Israel, and have them take for Me a donation; from every person whose heart impels him, you shall take My donation.” This marks the beginning of the construction of the Mishkan, the sacred dwelling place of the Divine Presence among the Jewish people. At first glance, this command seems straightforward: the Jewish people are instructed to contribute materials for the Mishkan’s construction. However, upon deeper reflection, we uncover profound lessons about the nature of giving, the elevation of the physical, and the very essence of a Jew’s purpose in this world.

The wording of the verse is intriguing. Rather than saying, “Give Me a donation,” it says, “Take for Me a donation.” This unusual phrasing suggests that in giving to Hashem, we are actually taking—receiving something of even greater value in return. This notion is at the heart of Jewish thought: true giving enriches the giver as much as, if not more than, the recipient. The act of donating to the Mishkan was not merely an act of charity; it was a transformative process through which the donor became elevated, connected, and spiritually refined.

Furthermore, the Torah specifies that the contribution must come from one “whose heart impels him.” The Mishkan was not to be built from obligatory taxes or forced contributions, but from voluntary gifts, given with a full and willing heart. This underscores the idea that the essence of giving is not merely the external act but the internal emotion and intention behind it. The Mishkan was a place where Hashem’s Presence dwelled, and such a dwelling could only be constructed from materials infused with sincere love and devotion.

One of the central themes of the Mishkan is the transformation of the material into the spiritual. The Mishkan was built from gold, silver, copper, wood, and various other physical materials. These items, which in themselves are mundane, were elevated and sanctified through their being used in Hashem’s dwelling place.

This concept is a fundamental pillar of Jewish life. Unlike philosophies that view the physical world as a barrier to spirituality, Judaism teaches that the physical is a vessel for the Divine. The act of using physical materials in the service of Hashem does not diminish spirituality; rather, it enhances and deepens it. When a Jew eats, sleeps, conducts business, or interacts with the world in a way that is aligned with Hashem’s will, these actions become acts of holiness. The construction of the Mishkan serves as a powerful symbol of this idea: even gold and silver, which could easily be used for selfish or materialistic purposes, become sanctified when dedicated to a higher goal.

The Alter Rebbe explains that the command to build a Mishkan was not just about constructing a physical sanctuary but about creating a dwelling place for Hashem within every Jew. The verse states, “They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell within them.” Not “within it,” referring to the Mishkan, but “within them”—within each and every Jew. This teaches us that every person has the ability, and responsibility, to transform their own inner world into a Mishkan, a place where the Divine Presence can reside.

What does it mean to build a personal Mishkan? Just as the physical Mishkan required gold, silver, and other materials, our personal Mishkan requires the dedication of our talents, resources, and emotions to serving Hashem. Gold represents fiery passion and enthusiasm in Avodas Hashem. Silver symbolizes longing and yearning, as the Hebrew word for silver, Kesef, is related to Kisufim, meaning deep desire. Copper, the most common and humble metal, represents perseverance and commitment, even in times of difficulty. By incorporating these elements into our lives—passion in our Mitzvah observance, yearning for closeness to Hashem, and steadfast dedication—we construct our own inner sanctuary.

Chassidus teaches that the act of giving is fundamentally a means of connection. The Hebrew word “Teruma” shares a root with “Romemus,” meaning elevation. When a Jew gives to Hashem, to another person, or to a holy cause, they are not simply transferring ownership of an object; they are elevating both the giver and the recipient.

This concept is particularly relevant in relationships between people. When we give to others—not only money but time, attention, love, and care—we are not depleting ourselves; we are building deeper bonds and strengthening our own character. The greatest relationships are forged through acts of giving, and the more one gives, the more one loves. In this light, the command to bring donations for the Mishkan is not just about constructing a building but about cultivating a culture of giving within the Jewish people.

Although the Mishkan was a temporary structure that was later replaced by the Beis Hamikdash, the lessons of Parshas Teruma remain eternally relevant. Every Jew is engaged in the lifelong mission of constructing a sanctuary for Hashem, both in the world around them and within themselves.

In a broader sense, this idea also applies to the ultimate purpose of creation: transforming the entire world into a Dira Betachtonim, a dwelling place for Hashem. Every Mitzvah, every act of kindness, every moment of Torah study contributes to this grand endeavor. Just as the gold and silver donated to the Mishkan became vessels for holiness, so too every physical action performed with the right intention becomes a conduit for Divine presence.

This perspective changes the way we view our lives. Instead of seeing our material pursuits as separate from spirituality, we recognize that they are intertwined. Our homes, our workplaces, our interactions—all can become parts of our personal Mishkan. A house filled with Torah and Mitzvos becomes a miniature Beis Hamikdash. A business run with honesty and integrity becomes a conduit for Hashem’s blessings. A life dedicated to helping others becomes an extension of Hashem’s kindness in the world.

Teruma teaches us that giving is not merely an obligation—it is a privilege. When we give, we are not losing something; we are gaining an opportunity to connect, to elevate, and to transform. The Mishkan was built from voluntary contributions because holiness cannot be forced—it must come from the heart.

Each of us has the ability to build a Mishkan within our lives, to elevate the physical and infuse it with spirituality. Whether through acts of charity, dedication to Torah, or bringing kindness into the world, we participate in the eternal process of making this world a dwelling place for Hashem.

May we merit to see the ultimate fulfillment of this mission with the coming of Moshiach, when the entire world will be revealed as Hashem’s Mishkan, and His presence will dwell among us in an open and complete way. Amen.

Have a Shabbos of Giving and Elevation,
Gut Shabbos

Rabbi Yosef Katzman