Pekudei                                                                                   Marni Ornstein

Shemot 38:24  “All the gold that was used for the work- for all the holy work.”

In this week’s Parsha, three things were counted: gold, silver, and copper. The text states the amount of each precious metal that was gathered, but only discloses the items created with silver and copper.  We are told that the gold was used for the “holy work", but this seems a bit vague. The silver was used to cast the sockets of the sanctuary and partition, and the hooks for the pillars. The copper was used to fashion the copper altar, and the sockets for the entrance to the Ohel Moed and the courtyard. So why aren’t we told specifically what the gold was used for?

In Oznayim Latorah - an early 20^th century commentary, Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin explains that silver was collected from every Jew in half-shekel pieces in order to count the nation. This is why there’s a detailed account of the amount collected. The copper and gold were extra donations and therefore, it was difficult to keep an exact record. The copper was used to construct pieces of the Mishkan that could be easily measured, such as the number of sockets and the copper altar in the courtyard. In contrast, the gold was not only used to fashion complete pieces of the Mishkan, but was also used to coat pieces. It is for this reason that an exact weight for the gold used was not derived. There was no way to weigh the gold separately from the pieces that it covered.  

As a child, I partook in an after- school drama program. Naturally, every kid wanted to land the main role. But as we all know, there can’t be 30 people playing the same role. Why? Because if everyone played the main role, who would play all the other parts? During practice, our director would always tell us, “There’s no such thing as small parts, only small actors.” This is an important life lesson that can be learned from this week’s Parsha. Although it seems like the copper and silver were not as important as the gold, they were essential pieces in the Mishkan. Without these pieces, the structure would not exist. Each metal was dependent upon the others in order for their own purpose to be realized. For example, the gold was needed to construct the Aron that held the Torah. But the ark needed a courtyard to protect it, which required silver and copper.   

This concept applies to the idea of Tikkun Olam as well (repairing/healing the world). We all want to help change the world. But can we do it alone? Are we capable of doing everything ourselves? Sometimes it can feel as though what we have to offer is not significant enough. The truth is… that’s not the case! Without our contributions, others can’t put forth their contribution, causing a chain of reactions. Each person is unique and has an amazing amount to offer the world. By using our talents, and giving all that we have to offer, we can help build the world together.