The Gold Sttandard
This week’s Torah portion talks about the fundraising initiative to build
the Tabernacle. The Torah tells us that the Jewish people contributed gold,
silver, and copper, along with many other items, in the construction of
this holy edifice. The commentaries point out that just as there were three
types of metals that people donated – gold, silver, and copper – there are
also, in general, three levels of giving charity. There is the gold standard,
where you give generously because life is going great – no one is sick,
thank G-d; the kids are fine; business is good – and I give because I’m so
thankful. The second level of charitable giving is the silver standard, which
is when you give because you’re going through a crisis – someone is not
well; your children are having problems; or some other issue. Yes, it’s
still a big mitzvah to give tzedakah in such a situation, but it’s not the gold
standard. Then there is the third level of giving – the copper standard. This
is the money you leave to charity after you have left this world. Again, of
course, you get a mitzvah of tzedakah, but it doesn’t compare to the gold
standard of giving, which is giving when you are alive, and life is good.
Because then you’re giving without any ulterior motive other than to thank
G-d for his manifold blessings. That’s the Jewish way to give, and that’s the
Torah way to live.
Wishing you an inspiring Shabbos,
Rabbi Moshe Gruenstein