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Why did Moshe provide detailed accounting for silver and copper Mishkan donations but only totals for the much more valuable gold? The three metals represent different charitable motivations: gold (pure giving), silver (transactional), and copper (self-serving). Only the silver and copper donors, projecting their own mixed motives, suspected Moshe of impropriety and required detailed breakdowns.
This shiur addresses a fundamental question raised by Rav Saadia Gaon: Why did Moshe provide a meticulous accounting of silver and copper donations for the Mishkan, but only gave a total sum for the much more valuable gold? The answer lies in understanding three distinct types of charitable giving represented by these metals. The Baal HaTurim explains that the three metals - gold, silver, and copper - represent different motivations for giving. Gold represents those who give "b'bri" (when healthy), meaning they give purely because they believe in the cause, with no expectation of return. Silver represents those who give when they or their family members are sick, seeking Divine assistance - a two-way transaction where they give but expect something back. Copper represents those who give "after death," meaning they only give when it costs them nothing personally, seeking only honor and recognition.
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Parshas Pekudei - Mishkan accounting
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Why does Rashi describe the Mishkan as "collateral" for Jewish sins? Rabbi Zweig develops the concept that God limited His own collection rights—accepting only the Mishkan's destruction rather than the nation's annihilation. This reflects the relationship of a father who reduces his own claims to ensure his children's survival.
Why does the Torah give a detailed accounting of silver and copper but not gold in Parshas Pekudei? The three metals represent three types of givers: those who give selflessly (gold), those seeking a two-way benefit (silver), and those buying honor (copper). The Midrash's three groups suspecting or praising Moshe reveal more about themselves than about Moshe—we judge others by our own standards.
