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Why does the Torah (תורה) say "v'yikchu li terumah" (they shall take for Me a contribution) rather than "v'yitnu" (they shall give)? The Targum reveals that donors first had to "separate" their contribution, making it no longer theirs before collectors came to take it. This process prevents the spiritual danger of giving - where donors seek control over institutions and recipients feel beholden rather than entitled.
This shiur analyzes the seemingly contradictory language in Parshas Terumah where the Torah (תורה) says "v'yikchu li terumah" (they shall take for Me a contribution) rather than "v'yitnu" (they shall give). The Zohar notes a significant difference between the initial plans for the Mishkan in Parshas Terumah, which mentions collecting "from every man," and the actual implementation in Parshas Vayakhel, which says "take from you." The Zohar explains that the original plan included the Erev Rav (mixed multitude) as potential donors before the Golden Calf incident, but after their role in precipitating that sin, only Jews were eligible to contribute. The Targum provides crucial insight, translating the verse as instructing every Jew to first "separate" (mafrish) their intended donation, and then collectors would come to "take" what had been set aside. This process of hafrashah (separation) is fundamental - donors must mentally and physically separate their contribution, making it no longer their money before collectors arrive. This system prevents donors from feeling like benefactors who might seek control over the institution.
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Parshas Terumah 25:2, Parshas Vayakhel
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