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Exodus 25:2 - Hearts inspire holy donations.

Exodus 25:2 - שמות 25:2

Hebrew Text

דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיִקְחוּ־לִי תְּרוּמָה מֵאֵת כָּל־אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִדְּבֶנּוּ לִבּוֹ תִּקְחוּ אֶת־תְּרוּמָתִי׃

English Translation

Speak to the children of Yisra᾽el that they bring me an offering: of every man whose heart prompts him to give you shall take my offering.

Transliteration

Daber el-bnei Yisrael veyikchu-li teruma me'et kol-ish asher yidvenu libo tikchu et-terumati.

Hebrew Leining Text

דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְיִקְחוּ־לִ֖י תְּרוּמָ֑ה מֵאֵ֤ת כׇּל־אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִדְּבֶ֣נּוּ לִבּ֔וֹ תִּקְח֖וּ אֶת־תְּרוּמָתִֽי׃
דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְיִקְחוּ־לִ֖י תְּרוּמָ֑ה מֵאֵ֤ת כׇּל־אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִדְּבֶ֣נּוּ לִבּ֔וֹ תִּקְח֖וּ אֶת־תְּרוּמָתִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Shemot 25:2) appears at the beginning of Parashat Terumah, where Hashem instructs Moshe to collect contributions from Bnei Yisrael for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This follows the revelation at Har Sinai and precedes the detailed instructions for building the Mishkan.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • "דַּבֵּר אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("Speak to the children of Israel"): Rashi explains that this phrasing indicates a direct and urgent command, emphasizing the importance of the Mishkan as a dwelling place for the Divine Presence.
  • "וְיִקְחוּ־לִי תְּרוּמָה" ("that they bring Me an offering"): The term "תְּרוּמָה" (terumah) literally means "lifting up" or "contribution." Ramban notes that it signifies elevating the material world for a sacred purpose.
  • "אֲשֶׁר יִדְּבֶנּוּ לִבּוֹ" ("whose heart prompts him"): The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 33:1) highlights that the donations must be given willingly, as genuine divine service requires heartfelt intention (כַּוָנָה).

The Nature of the Contribution

The Sforno explains that the contributions were not obligatory but voluntary, reflecting each individual's personal desire to participate in the sanctification of the Mishkan. This aligns with the principle of נדיבות לב (generosity of heart), a recurring theme in Jewish thought regarding voluntary mitzvot.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Free-Will Offerings: The Talmud (Arachin 6a) derives from this verse that offerings given with sincerity (לִבּוֹ) are more cherished than obligatory gifts. This teaches the value of voluntary acts of kindness and devotion.
  • Unity in Diversity: The phrase "מֵאֵת כָּל־אִישׁ" ("from every man") implies that contributions came from all segments of the nation, rich and poor alike. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the collective effort sanctified the Mishkan, symbolizing unity in serving Hashem.
  • Elevating Material Wealth: The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) connects this mitzvah to the broader idea of using physical possessions for spiritual elevation, transforming mundane materials into sacred vessels.

Connection to Later Halacha

The principle of voluntary giving in this verse serves as a foundation for later halachic concepts, such as מצוות צדקה (the mitzvah of charity). The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 248) rules that charity must be given with a willing heart, echoing the language of "אֲשֶׁר יִדְּבֶנּוּ לִבּוֹ."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 3a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the contributions for the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the voluntary nature of the offerings.
📖 Megillah 29b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the importance of communal contributions and the spirit of generosity among the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 25:2 mean?
A: Exodus 25:2 is G-d's instruction to Moshe (Moses) to tell the Jewish people to bring voluntary donations ('terumah') for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse emphasizes that these contributions must come only from those whose hearts willingly motivate them to give.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes the principle of voluntary giving in Jewish tradition. The Mishkan was built through the free-will offerings of the people, showing that serving G-d must come from genuine desire, not coercion. Rashi explains that the word 'li' ('for Me') teaches that donations must be given purely for the sake of heaven.
Q: What can we learn from Exodus 25:2 today?
A: We learn that charitable giving and supporting holy causes should come from a place of sincerity and joy. The Rambam (Maimonides) later codifies this idea in his levels of tzedakah (charity), where giving willingly and happily is considered the highest form. The verse also teaches that everyone's contribution - no matter how small - is valuable when given with the right intention.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'whose heart prompts him'?
A: The Midrash explains that G-d wanted the Mishkan to be built only from donations given with complete willingness. This teaches that the quality of our mitzvot (commandments) depends on our attitude while performing them. The Sforno adds that this phrase excludes any donations made out of social pressure or ulterior motives.
Q: How does this apply to giving tzedakah (charity) today?
A: Just as the Mishkan was built through voluntary donations, our synagogues and Torah institutions today rely on voluntary contributions. The Talmud (Ketubot 67b) derives from this verse that we should give charity according to our means, but always with a willing heart. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 248) rules that even small donations given happily are precious before G-d.