On Terumah, Ki Tisa, and Purpose-Driven Action
It is important to think about the reasons why we do the things we do and the ends to which our actions aim. Especially when our actions have a direct impact on other people. The narratives of the Golden Calf and the construction of the Mishkan offer different ways of approaching the topic of purpose-driven action and highlight the importance of being mindful of why we do certain actions over others.
In Exodus 25:2 we learn that Hashem spoke to Moses and requested donations of materials that would be used to construct the Mishkan. But they weren’t just any donations. They were donations given willingly, donations given after someone’s heart had urged or moved them to give. The donations, or offerings or contributions, weren’t simply taken nor were they given for the sake of giving. The giving was a deliberate action driven by the desire of one’s heart. We know this because it is explicitly stated in the text.
In Exodus 32:2 we learn that Aaron spoke to the people and made a demand that they take off their golden jewelry, and obtain their entire family’s golden jewelry, and bring it to him. For Aaron would use the materials to build the golden calf. Unlike the willing, heartfelt donations of materials for the construction of the Mishkan, the collection of materials for the construction of the golden calf was by force. Acting out of fear…
