Pikudei: Dig Deeply!

Pikudei

Dig deeply . . .

                As we finish the book of Shemos and conclude our review of the construction of the Mishkan, the portable “Tent of Meeting” and all of the concomitant utensils and clothing for its functioning, it might be worthwhile to look again at that telling verse in last week’s sedra about the Princes’ donation of the precious stones.  We can take away a lesson which will serve us well as we complete one book, Shemos, with the words:  “Chazak, chazak, v’nischzek!  Be strong!”:    This lesson will help us not only at this moment, but throughout our lives as we grow from one level to the next.

“And the Princes brought the Avnei Shoham and the Avnei Miluim for the apron and the breastplate.” (Shemos 35: 27)

Rashi comments on this verse, citing Rabbi Nosson ,  ‘Why did the Princes think to donate their gifts at the beginning of the dedication of the Mishkan, but here, at the building of the Mishkan, they offered their gifts last?  They thought, “ Let the community donate what they will, and we’ll make up what’s missing!”  When it turned out that the community donated everything, all the Princes could do was to donate the Stones—the Avnei Shoham and the Avnei Miluim.  Therefore, the next time they had the chance, at the dedication, they donated first.  Since they were initially lacking in alacrity, a letter from their name was removed (the Hebrew word for Princes, “nesi’im”, is missing the yuds in our verse.  –Ed.)

                The words of the midrash are puzzling.  Didn’t the Princes make a wise judgement?  After all, they were prepared  to fulfill whatever was missing in the communal donation for the Sanctuary, no matter how large an amount.  Even if an enormous effort would be required, they were committed to do the job, to make up whatever the Bnei Yisrael lacked, in order to insure that there would be nothing preventing the establishment of the new  Temple service.  If so, why were they punished with the loss of a letter from their name?  Even moreso—they did indeed bring a valuable donation, the precious stones, which testify to their commitment.  How then, are we to understand their lack, and subsequent “punishment” by the defective writing of their name?

                We see from here a profound insight into human motivation.  It is possible that an action may be contemplated, with the best of intention.  And indeed, the action is carried out, seemingly with righteousness and character.  And yet, if we dig deep into the psyche of the person, we may find that the true motivation was rooted in selfishness, in character flaw, and not in pristine dedication.  The Torah tells us, by removing the 2 yuds from their name, that the Prince’s apparent good intentions were really founded in a lack of zeal and commitment.  They may not even have been conscious of this flaw.  But, once shown the error of their ways—they took immediate steps to change, and dedication first,  the next time they had the opportunity. 

                The key to true spirituality is a fearless commitment to growth.

                To grow in tikkun ha-midos, to refine our character,  we need to really dig deeply!

NOTE:  This essay  is drawn from the work “Be’er M’chokek”, by the late Rosh HaYeshiva of Telshe, Rabbi Chaim Mordecai Katz, zt”l.,  edited by Rabbi Yakov Velvel Katz, and was translated and  adapted for publication by Rabbi Hollander.