This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Terumah (Offering), recounts God’s instructions to Moses and the Israelites to collect contributions for the construction of a sacred dwelling place for Him:

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Tell the people of Israel to bring Me an offering. You shall receive My offering from every person whose heart compels them to give. These are the gifts you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and crimson yarns; fine linen and goat hair; ram skins dyed red, fine leather, and acacia wood; oil for the lamp; spices for the anointing oil and fragrant incense; onyx stones and other gems for the ephod and breastpiece. And they shall make a sanctuary for Me so that I may dwell among them. They must make it exactly according to the pattern that I show you regarding the tabernacle and all its furnishings.’
Exodus 25:1-9

This passage reveals a profound truth that I often reflect upon: everything originates from God, belongs to Him, and ultimately exists for His purpose. Though He is the Creator and owner of all, He allows us to be stewards of His blessings. The real question we should ask ourselves is, "What am I doing with what He has entrusted to me?"

When God commanded Moses to take up an offering, it wasn’t about the materials themselves, but rather about the hearts of those who gave. The willingness of the people mattered more than the value of their gifts. God delights in a sincere and generous heart—one that gives not out of obligation, but from a deep desire to honor Him.

Are our lives truly centered on God and His Kingdom? It’s easy to say “yes,” but in practice, do our actions align with that declaration? Consider the abilities, skills, and resources God has given you. Do you use them for His glory, or do you seek recognition for yourself? When we focus on "my abilities", it’s easy to make everything about ourselves. However, when we recognize that our gifts are from God, our perspective shifts, and our giving becomes an act of worship.

True giving often requires sacrifice. Hebrews 13:15-16 reminds us:

Through Yeshua, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

These verses make it clear that God values action over mere words. He desires lives that reflect His goodness through acts of generosity—not just in finances, but in using the talents, time, and spiritual gifts He has entrusted to us.

This passage reminds us that God’s desire to be close to His people has never changed. Yet, over time, we have often shifted our focus away from Him and onto ourselves. Instead of recognizing that all we have—our resources, talents, and abilities—comes from God, we sometimes hold tightly to what He has given us, as if it were our own to control.

True giving requires an open heart and a willingness to trust in God's provision. Often, we hesitate to give because we fear lack or uncertainty. However, when we acknowledge that everything ultimately belongs to God, we can give freely, knowing that He is our source. It is not about the size of our gift, but the heart behind it. Whether we give of our time, our skills, or our material resources, it should always be done with a spirit of humility and gratitude.

When we shift our mindset from ownership to stewardship, we begin to see giving as an act of worship rather than an obligation. In doing so, we reflect the very heart of God, who gives abundantly and calls us to do the same.

In the Haftarah portion, we again see God’s deep longing to dwell among His people:

Now the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying: ‘As for this house you are building, if you walk in My statutes, carry out My ordinances, and obey all My commandments, I will fulfill My promise to your father David. I will dwell among the children of Israel and will never abandon My people.’
I Kings 6:11-13

This passage reminds us that God’s amazing desire to dwell among us has never changed. However, we must ensure that our hearts remain aligned with Him. It is easy to become distracted, thinking of what we have or have not given, rather than remembering that all we have is from Him in the first place. When we give, it should not be out of obligation or self-recognition but out of gratitude and love for God.

As we reflect on this portion, let’s take a moment to examine our hearts. Is our faith truly about God and His Kingdom, or have we made it about ourselves? Let us follow the example of King David, who cried out to God with sincerity:

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalms 51:10

May we all strive to live with hearts fully devoted to Him.

Shabbat Shalom,
Moran