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Exodus 35:24 - Hearts united in sacred giving

Exodus 35:24 - שמות 35:24

Hebrew Text

כָּל־מֵרִים תְּרוּמַת כֶּסֶף וּנְחֹשֶׁת הֵבִיאוּ אֵת תְּרוּמַת יְהוָה וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר נִמְצָא אִתּוֹ עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים לְכָל־מְלֶאכֶת הָעֲבֹדָה הֵבִיאוּ׃

English Translation

Everyone that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the Lord’s offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it.

Transliteration

Kol-merim terumat kesef unechoshet heviu et terumat Adonai vechol asher nimtza ito atzei shitim lechol-melachat haavoda heviu.

Hebrew Leining Text

כׇּל־מֵרִ֗ים תְּר֤וּמַת כֶּ֙סֶף֙ וּנְחֹ֔שֶׁת הֵבִ֕יאוּ אֵ֖ת תְּרוּמַ֣ת יְהֹוָ֑ה וְכֹ֡ל אֲשֶׁר֩ נִמְצָ֨א אִתּ֜וֹ עֲצֵ֥י שִׁטִּ֛ים לְכׇל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת הָעֲבֹדָ֖ה הֵבִֽיאוּ׃
כׇּל־מֵרִ֗ים תְּר֤וּמַת כֶּ֙סֶף֙ וּנְחֹ֔שֶׁת הֵבִ֕יאוּ אֵ֖ת תְּרוּמַ֣ת יְהֹוָ֑ה וְכֹ֡ל אֲשֶׁר֩ נִמְצָ֨א אִתּ֜וֹ עֲצֵ֥י שִׁטִּ֛ים לְכׇל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת הָעֲבֹדָ֖ה הֵבִֽיאוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Exodus 35:24) appears in the section detailing the contributions made by Bnei Yisrael for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It follows Moshe's call for voluntary donations of materials needed for the sacred work, emphasizing the generosity and unity of the people in this holy endeavor.

Interpretation of the Materials

Rashi explains that the phrase "כָּל־מֵרִים תְּרוּמַת כֶּסֶף וּנְחֹשֶׁת" ("Everyone that did offer an offering of silver and brass") refers to those who contributed metals used in the Mishkan's construction. Silver (כֶּסֶף) was used for the sockets of the Mishkan's beams, while brass (נְחֹשֶׁת) was used for the altar and its utensils (Rashi on Exodus 38:24-29).

The Significance of Shittim Wood

The verse also mentions "עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים" (shittim wood), which was used for the Mishkan's structure, including the Ark, table, and altar. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) notes that this wood was a possession of the righteous, as Yaakov Avinu had planted these trees in Egypt, anticipating their future use in the Mishkan. This teaches that even physical materials can attain holiness when dedicated to divine service.

Voluntary Contributions and Unity

The Ramban (Nachmanides) highlights that the phrase "וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר נִמְצָא אִתּוֹ" ("every man, with whom was found") underscores the voluntary nature of these donations. The people gave willingly, demonstrating their collective commitment to the Mishkan's construction. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) similarly praises the unity of Bnei Yisrael in this mitzvah, as all contributed according to their means.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Generosity: The willingness to donate precious materials teaches the importance of giving to sacred causes with an open heart (Malbim on Exodus 35:21-24).
  • Holiness in the Mundane: The use of ordinary materials like wood and metal for the Mishkan shows how physical objects can be elevated through divine service (Kli Yakar on Exodus 25:5).
  • Collective Responsibility: The participation of all who had these materials emphasizes that building a dwelling place for the Shechinah (Divine Presence) requires communal effort (Sforno on Exodus 35:24).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 35:24 mean?
A: Exodus 35:24 describes how the Israelites willingly donated materials like silver, brass, and shittim (acacia) wood for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This shows their generosity and eagerness to contribute to a holy project for Hashem.
Q: Why is shittim wood mentioned specifically in this verse?
A: Shittim wood (acacia) was used in building the Mishkan because it was durable and readily available in the wilderness (Rashi on Exodus 25:5). The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 9) also teaches that this wood was planted by Yaakov Avinu in Egypt in anticipation of the Mishkan's construction.
Q: What can we learn from the people bringing donations in Exodus 35:24?
A: We learn the importance of voluntary giving with a full heart for holy purposes. The Rambam (Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 10:4) teaches that giving with joy and enthusiasm is the highest level of charity, just as the Israelites gave willingly for the Mishkan.
Q: How does this verse about donations apply today?
A: Just as the Israelites contributed to the Mishkan, we're encouraged to support Torah institutions and mitzvah projects generously. The Talmud (Bava Basra 9a) teaches that supporting holy causes brings blessing, and giving should be done with the same willingness shown in our verse.
Q: Why does the verse mention both silver/brass and wood donations?
A: The Torah highlights different materials to show that every contribution - whether precious metals or simple wood - was valuable for the Mishkan. As the Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 33:6) explains, Hashem values the intention behind the gift more than its monetary worth.