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Why does the Torah (תורה) provide a detailed accounting for silver and copper donations to the Mishkan but not for gold? The shiur develops the principle that people judge others by themselves—gold donors trusted Moshe completely, while others needed reassurance. True humility and the foundation of all relationships, especially marriage, lies in recognizing and learning from qualities others possess that we lack.
The shiur opens with a textual question from Parshas Pekudei: the Torah (תורה) gives a detailed accounting showing how the silver and copper donated to the Mishkan were used, but for gold it only lists how much came in without explaining where it went. This seems like incomplete accounting for the most valuable material. The Medrash addresses this with a teaching about three groups viewing Moshe Rabbeinu differently. One group said "Blessed is his mother who gave birth to him," recognizing his complete dedication. Another suspected he was enriching himself, looking at "the back of his neck getting thick" from the Mishkan funds. A third group took a middle position, acknowledging he worked hard but assuming he took compensation. The Medrash explains that Moshe therefore provided an accounting to have "clean hands in the eyes of God and man," even though Jewish law does not require a tzedakah manager to give an accounting.
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Parshas Pekudei - Mishkan accounting (Shemos 38:24-31)
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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.
