Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that the congregation of Israel 'departed from the presence of Moses'?
A: According to Rashi, this phrase indicates that after Moses finished instructing the people about the Mishkan (Tabernacle), they left his presence with enthusiasm to fulfill the mitzvah (commandment) of contributing materials for its construction. Their departure shows their eagerness to participate in this holy project.
Q: Why is this verse important in the context of the Mishkan?
A: This verse marks the transition from Moses' instructions about building the Mishkan to the people's actual participation. The Ramban explains that it demonstrates the unity of the Jewish people in fulfilling a divine commandment, as 'all the congregation' willingly came together for this sacred task.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how the people responded to Moses?
A: The Midrash teaches that the people's immediate action after hearing Moses' words shows the proper way to respond to Torah commandments - with alacrity and joy. Their departure wasn't a rejection of Moses, but rather a demonstration of their commitment to act upon his teachings without delay.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Israelites eagerly left to fulfill the mitzvah of building the Mishkan, we learn from the Talmud (Berachot 6b) that when we hear words of Torah, we should be quick to put them into action. This teaches us the importance of transforming Torah study into practical mitzvah observance in our daily lives.
Q: Why does the verse emphasize 'all the congregation' leaving?
A: The Ohr HaChaim explains that mentioning 'all the congregation' highlights the complete unity of the Jewish people in this endeavor. Unlike previous incidents where there was division, here everyone was united in the sacred work of building a dwelling place for the Divine Presence, setting an example for future generations.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Exodus 35:20) appears at the beginning of the narrative concerning the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). After Moshe gathers Bnei Yisrael to instruct them about the contributions and labor required for the Mishkan, the people depart to fulfill his directives.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the phrase "וַיֵּצְאוּ... מִלִּפְנֵי מֹשֶׁה" ("departed from the presence of Moshe") indicates that the people left Moshe's presence with enthusiasm and urgency to fulfill the mitzvah of contributing to the Mishkan. This mirrors their earlier eagerness to receive the Torah (Exodus 19:17), demonstrating their wholehearted commitment to divine service.
Midrashic Interpretation
The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 2) highlights that the people did not delay—they immediately acted upon Moshe’s instructions. This teaches the principle of zerizut (alacrity) in performing mitzvot, especially those connected to communal sanctity.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (Laws of the Temple), the Rambam emphasizes that the construction of the Mishkan required collective effort, reflecting unity among Bnei Yisrael. Their immediate response underscores the importance of communal responsibility in establishing a dwelling place for the Shechinah (Divine Presence).
Chassidic Insight
The Sefat Emet (R' Yehudah Aryeh Leib of Gur) notes that leaving Moshe’s presence was not an act of separation but a movement toward internalizing his teachings. By physically departing, they demonstrated their readiness to implement spiritual ideals in practical action.