Boulder Aish Kodesh

Rashi points out that the grammatical form of 'vayakhel' implies passivity - not that Moshe forcefully gathered people together, but that they naturally gathered around him because of his words. They were drawn to what he was saying, and wanted to hear more. Rebbe Nachman writes that what makes speech speech is the goodness it contains. Since everyone wants good, they will listen if your speech contains good. And where does good come from? From da'at - awareness/connection. It comes from awareness of the relationship. It is amazing that Moshe could speak in that way, from that place of awareness and connection, having just come off the gold cow affair. He still felt connected to his people, despite what they had done. Perhaps this is because Moshe has learned about Hashem's patience, and this gave him the capacity to deepen his own patience. Just as Hashem is erech apayim - patient and forbearing, Moshe must be, too. Rebbe Nachman says when Moshe heard Hashem say the words erech apayim, he immediately prostrated. He understood that he would need to improve his standing in that particular trait if he was to be a better leader.

But Moshe must be impressed by the overwhelming response to the call for donations for the Mishkan. The word that sticks out is 'kol' - all. And all the people whose hearts inspired them... and all the men came with the women... It is what every fundraiser hopes for - 100% participation. That everyone gives something. In many ways more important than reaching a particular financial goal. With everyone, we can do everything.

We just came off our annual fundraiser, and the level of contribution was amazing. We had so many people give so much of themselves for the event. It felt like a mishkan of sorts, though no one brought ram skins or acacia wood. Maybe next time.