When the call went out for donations to the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the response was tremendous. People donated their golden vessels, women gave up their own jewelry, and the donations kept coming until they told Moses, “The people are bringing much more than is needed for the work” (Exodus 36:5).
This was a fundraiser’s dream! Why was there such an enthusiastic response? Rav Shimshon Pincus zt”l explains that the goal of the Mishkan project was defined at the outset: “Make for Me a Sanctuary, and I will dwell among you.” The people understood that these collections would result in a place, a location, for the greatest possible closeness to G-d. The desire for that closeness is found in every human being, and it was the key to such a successful campaign.
In the absence of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, there is no one place to find that level of closeness. However, the Sages say that when people engage in the study of Torah, the Divine Presence is among them (Talmud Berachos 6a). Today, it is Torah study that brings the closest relationship with G-d.
Project Genesis/Torah.org launched its $100,000 Raffle just last week. As pioneers in the field of online Torah study, we’re in the business of bringing people to a place where “the Divine Presence is among them.” Please let your desire for that ultimate relationship spur you to respond generously.
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Mordechai Dixler
Program Director, Project Genesis – Torah.org
