Community Torah Corner - February 20, 2026

In Parashat Terumah, God tells Moshe to build the Mishkan, a special place where God’s presence would be among Bnei Yisrael. But what is interesting is that God does not say that every person must give the same amount. Instead, He says: “וְיִקְחוּ לִי תְּרוּמָה” – “And they shall take for Me an offering” (Shemot 25:2). The Torah explains that the donation should come from “every person whose heart moves them.” This shows us that God cares more about the willingness to give than about how much a person gives.

On a simple level, the pasuk means that Bnei Yisrael were asked to donate materials: gold, silver, fabrics, wood, so the Mishkan could be built. Everyone gave what they were able to give. The Mishkan was not built by one person; it was built by the whole community.

Rashi explains that the words “וְיִקְחוּ לִי” mean that the giving must be done with the right intention, for the sake of Heaven. God does not need the gold or the silver. He wants the heart behind the gift. The real value of the donation is the kavana, the intention and sincerity of the person giving.

This teaches us something powerful: when we give, it’s not only about the object or the money. It’s about the feeling, the care, and the desire to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

I think the Torah is teaching that true accomplishments happen when people give sincerely. Moshe trusted Bnei Yisrael to give from the heart, and they did. Some gave more and some gave less, but everyone who gave with sincerity became part of building something holy.

When you donate or give, you are not just losing something, you are actually building something. You are building community, connection, and holiness. The Mishkan was made of physical materials, but really it was built from the hearts of the people.

This idea connects beautifully to Purim. On Purim, we have the mitzvah of matanot la’evyonim, מתנות לאביונים giving gifts to people in need and mishloach manot משלוח מנות giving food to friends. Just like in the Mishkan, the focus is not on how expensive your gift is. It is about giving with joy and with a full heart.

When we give on Purim, we are not just handing someone money or food. We are strengthening our community. We are making sure no one feels alone. In a way, we are building our own “mini-Mishkan” in our community through kindness and generosity.

In our lives as students, this lesson is very relevant. Not everyone can give the same things. One student might give money to charity. Another might give time by volunteering. Another might give support by being a good friend. Some people are good at organizing events. Some are good at encouraging others. Some are good at noticing when someone feels left out.

In school, on a sports team, or in a youth group, when everyone gives what they can—whether it is effort, time, talent, or kindness, we build something strong together. Just like the Mishkan, our community becomes holy when everyone contributes from the heart.

Especially around Purim, we can ask ourselves:

Am I giving just because I have to? Or am I giving because I want to make someone else happy?
Am I thinking about people who might not have as much?
Am I giving with joy?

From Parashat Terumah, we learn that God’s presence is not only found in a building like the Mishkan. It is found in sincere giving. When people come together and give from the heart, without comparing or judging how much each person gives, they create something holy.

As we approach Purim, may we learn to give generously, joyfully, and sincerely. And through our giving, may we continue to build a strong and caring community.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom.