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Why does the Torah (תורה) 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.
Rabbi Zweig analyzes a fundamental question from Rav Saadia Gaon regarding the accounting of materials for the Mishkan in Parshas Pekudei. The Torah (תורה) provides a general accounting for gold collected, but gives detailed breakdowns of how silver and copper were used. This seems strange, since gold was the most valuable commodity and should have warranted the most meticulous audit. The answer emerges from the Bas Ayin in Parshas Ki Sisa, who explains that the three metals—gold, silver, and copper—represent three types of charitable givers. Gold represents "ze hanoseh b'bri'o" (one who gives when healthy), meaning someone who gives purely because they believe in the cause, expecting nothing in return. Silver represents someone who gives when someone is ill—a two-way street where the giver hopes for something in return (merit, blessing) but wouldn't regret the gift if nothing came back. Copper represents the person who gives "after death"—meaning someone who only gives when it costs them nothing, who is purely buying honor and recognition with no real connection to the cause.
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Parshas Pekudei
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