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Exodus 36:5 - Generosity overflows for Mishkan.

Exodus 36:5 - שמות 36:5

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה לֵּאמֹר מַרְבִּים הָעָם לְהָבִיא מִדֵּי הָעֲבֹדָה לַמְּלָאכָה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה לַעֲשֹׂת אֹתָהּ׃

English Translation

and they spoke to Moshe saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to do.

Transliteration

Vayomru el-Moshe lemor marbim ha'am lehavi midei ha'avoda lam'lacha asher-tziva Adonai la'asot otah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה לֵּאמֹ֔ר מַרְבִּ֥ים הָעָ֖ם לְהָבִ֑יא מִדֵּ֤י הָֽעֲבֹדָה֙ לַמְּלָאכָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה לַעֲשֹׂ֥ת אֹתָֽהּ׃
וַיֹּאמְרוּ֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה לֵּאמֹ֔ר מַרְבִּ֥ים הָעָ֖ם לְהָבִ֑יא מִדֵּ֤י הָֽעֲבֹדָה֙ לַמְּלָאכָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה לַעֲשֹׂ֥ת אֹתָֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot / Exodus 36:5) appears during the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), when Bnei Yisrael were contributing materials for its construction. The artisans overseeing the work informed Moshe that the people were bringing more than what was needed for the Divine commandment.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that this demonstrates the generosity and enthusiasm of Bnei Yisrael in fulfilling the mitzvah of building the Mishkan. He notes that the phrase "מַרְבִּים הָעָם לְהָבִיא" ("the people bring much more") reflects their overflowing desire to participate in this sacred work. Rashi also explains that the artisans reported this to Moshe to seek guidance on how to handle the excess contributions.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) elaborates that the people's generosity was so great that the materials became more than sufficient ("מִדֵּי הָעֲבֹדָה"—"enough for the service"). This teaches that when Jews are motivated by a sincere desire to serve Hashem, their contributions exceed expectations. The Midrash further compares this to a king who requested help building a palace, and his subjects brought so much that the builders had to say, "We have enough!"

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides, Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 8:10) derives from this verse a principle about tzedakah (charity): one should not withhold generosity when contributing to a mitzvah, just as Bnei Yisrael did not hold back in giving to the Mishkan. However, the artisans' message to Moshe also teaches that there is a point where additional contributions become unnecessary, emphasizing the importance of proper stewardship in sacred projects.

Lessons for Today

  • Generosity in Mitzvot: The verse highlights the ideal of giving wholeheartedly for sacred causes, setting an example for supporting Torah institutions and communal needs.
  • Guidance in Leadership: The artisans' approach to Moshe demonstrates the importance of seeking halachic (Jewish legal) guidance when managing communal resources.
  • Balance in Giving: While enthusiasm is praiseworthy, there must also be wisdom in directing resources effectively, as excess can sometimes lead to waste or mismanagement.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the abundance of contributions for the Tabernacle, illustrating the people's generosity and enthusiasm for fulfilling God's commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 36:5 mean?
A: Exodus 36:5 describes how the Israelites generously donated materials for building the Mishkan (Tabernacle) beyond what was needed. According to Rashi, the people were so eager to contribute to this holy project that they brought more than required, showing their love for fulfilling G-d's commandment.
Q: Why is this verse about the Mishkan donations important?
A: This verse teaches us about the importance of enthusiasm in performing mitzvot (commandments). The Rambam explains that giving willingly and abundantly for sacred purposes demonstrates true devotion. The Talmud (Yoma 38a) also praises this as an example of how the Jewish people joyfully support holy work.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the people bringing too much for the Mishkan?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 36:3) teaches that this shows the proper attitude toward mitzvot - we should perform them with generosity and without calculation. When it comes to serving G-d or helping build holy institutions, we should give with an open hand and full heart.
Q: How does this verse apply to giving tzedakah (charity) today?
A: Just as the Israelites gave generously for the Mishkan, we should give tzedakah willingly and abundantly. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 249) rules that we should give charity according to our means, and this verse shows the ideal attitude - giving more than what seems strictly necessary for holy causes.
Q: Why did Moshe have to stop the people from bringing more donations?
A: Rashi explains that the craftsmen reported to Moshe that the people were bringing more materials than needed for the Mishkan's construction. This teaches us that while enthusiasm for mitzvot is praiseworthy, there must also be order and limits in holy work - we must follow the guidelines set by Torah authorities.