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Why does the command to build the Mishkan use the language "v'yikchu li terumah" (take for Me) instead of "give"? The shiur develops the idea that na'aseh v'nishma at Sinai expressed complete trust in God's love—the essence of a soulmate relationship. When a relationship is based on genuine love rather than contractual obligation, giving becomes receiving because two have merged into one.
Rabbi Zweig explores the deep connection between the Jewish people's declaration of "na'aseh v'nishma" at Mount Sinai and the subsequent command to build the Mishkan. The Gemara (גמרא) teaches that immediately after the Jewish people said "we will do and we will understand," God commanded them to build the Mishkan. But what is the connection between these two events, and why does the Torah (תורה) use the unusual language "v'yikchu li terumah" (take for Me a donation) instead of "give"? The shiur begins by examining the concept of temimus (innocence/naivety) through a Talmudic passage where Reuven is criticized by a Sadducee for acting without thinking, paralleling the Jewish people's "na'aseh v'nishma." Reuven responds that "we go with temimus" before God. Drawing on Rashi (רש"י), Rabbi Zweig explains that in a genuine love relationship, one trusts that the beloved has only their best interests at heart. This trust—this willingness to act without constant analysis—is not foolishness but the very essence of love. When someone truly loves you, you don't need to question their motives or measure their every request.
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Parshas Terumah
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