Moses asked the Jewish people to donate gold, silver and copper for the construction of the Tabernacle. Seemingly, the most valuable and precious of these metals was gold, second was silver, and most plentiful and least valuable was copper. But each of these three metals were used for completely different purposes in the construction of the Tabernacle.
"Gold... was used... for... the holy work... silver to cast the sockets of the Sanctuary... the copper... the sockets of the courtyard..." (Exodus, 38:24-31)
A LIFE LESSON
Gold, silver, and copper all served different purposes in the construction of the Tabernacle. In fact each metal was actually dependent upon the other metals in order for their own purpose to be realized. For example, the gold was used to construct the ark that housed the Torah, but the ark needed to have a courtyard around it in order to protect itself -- which needed the silver and copper in order for it to be made.
Each and every one of us, on some level, all want to change the world. But sometimes we feel that compared to others our contributions are not as significant. But the exact opposite is true. This is because for in order for someone else to help, they almost always depend upon other people doing their part. We all must contribute in the way that God enabled and empowered us to do so. If we don't, it literally prevents others from doing their part.
Sometimes we doubt if we really have what it takes to make a difference, and we further question this if we compare our talent and resources to other people we see making a difference. But this is only half the story.
Every project or cause that was ever completed had many people who made it happen other than those who were "front and center" upon it's completion. It might be the one's who envisioned the project, those who labored in it's every detail, or maybe it was the one who rescued the project after the initial excitement faded. The bottom line is that all of these people are why the project succeeded. But again, they were all individually dependent upon someone else to do their part or there literally would be no place for their contribution.
Think about it. Who could a philanthropist give his or her money to if no one came up with new and exciting ideas?
Don't make the mistake of thinking that your contribution isn't going to make a difference. Just like in the days of the tabernacle you have the responsibility to contribute in relation to your ability. Whether God gave you gold, silver, or copper you're obligated to give what you can. And remember, the one who donates gold can only do so if the one who has copper gives as well. So, no matter what metal you have to give- - whether it's your money, time, or assistance -- take much happiness in knowing that not only are you giving in the exact measure God wants you to but you also lay the foundation for allowing so many others to give as well.
(11) Anonymous, March 23, 2017 11:05 AM
Amen! Excellent article and very well written! Thanks for posting!
(10) Anonymous, March 7, 2016 1:31 PM
Great article! Thanks for posting!
(9) Anonymous, March 12, 2015 7:24 PM
Great article! Thanks for posting this!
(8) Wassim, February 24, 2014 7:37 AM
An all-encompassing framework
Thank you for this feel-good message. It doesn't exactly marry-up with trickle-down economics but it gives us a vision worth striving for. Hopefully the world's copper supply per capita won't put a dint in our hopes for the future.
(7) HaShem, February 23, 2014 7:06 PM
Let´s accomplish our mission at Tikun Olam
It´s amazing to know that HaShem wishes our participation in his service with what He has given us (gold, silver or copper). That´s our purpose : Tikun Olan. That´s the best way to honor Him and be grateful for the breath of life He gave us. Shalom VeTodah Rabah for this inspiring article.
(6) Anonymous, February 23, 2014 12:56 PM
Amazing
This is just what I needed and amazing! Thanks for posting it :)
(5) Anonymous, March 17, 2012 3:58 PM
Todah. I needed to hear this today. It will help.
Thank you . I needed to hear this from someone today.
(4) Denise Egielski, March 6, 2008 5:01 PM
Thanks!
I'm learning a lot about respect of oneself and how we all do have a purpose.
Thanks
(3) Louis Lowitt, March 12, 2007 11:15 AM
I Love your website
(2) Anonymous, March 23, 2006 12:00 AM
the lesson is so powerful
thank you
(1) Michal, March 22, 2006 12:00 AM
I am glad that my importance for Hashem does not depend on the material I am made of.
I don't know what happens this week with Aish ha Torah. In the beginning of this week I felt sad and lonely. Then in your different articles you brightened my life up.
Today I just feel wonderful.
I am one of those who are sad, that they don't belong to the "gold", used in building the Mishkan. But this article made me feel so good, while I had to tell myself, Hashem choose the material I am made of, and you, Mr. Liebermann, explain so well, that even copper is needed and necessary for the wholeness of the mishkan. May I do - and may we all do - what Hashem created us for. Baruch Hu!