When I was in college (which was all too recent for some of my congregants...), I majored in Anthropology. One of the discussions that came up in several different anthropological contexts was the notion of altruism, meaning unselfish behavior. What does it mean to be altruistic, and is it ever possible for animals, or humans for that matter, to do something purely for altruistic reasons? In a sense, can we ever give of ourselves to something else, to a cause, without caring about what we'll get in return?
Organized religions are often chided for being too focused on rituals and regulations, sinning and
guilt. It's all just a bunch of "Thou shalt not's"!! Well, sometimes that might be true, but this week's Torah portion offers us something a little different. In Exodus, chapter 35, we read about the building of the portable Sanctuary in the desert, known as the Mishkan, or Tabernacle. In verse 5, we read, "Take from among you gifts to the Lord; everyone whose heart so moves him shall bring them." Yes, we are commanded to bring gifts to help build the Tabernacle, but we aren't told here what to bring, how much to bring, who is meant to bring, or when to bring. The text says, and then repeats several times throughout the ensuing chapters, that whoever feels inspired to bring something should do so.
It's a refreshing change from all the commandments and restrictions we've seen before, and I imagine the Israelites felt the same way. It's possible that having just committed the sin of the Golden Calf, the Israelites are low on morale. God realizes that their hearts aren't in this enterprise, and that they need a little freedom, an opportunity to express themselves as individuals. And so the building project is opened up for a little free interpretation and personalized creativity. Let's see what you've got, folks!
And sure enough, the people respond with great enthusiasm. In chapter 36, the builders tell
Moses, "The people are bringing more than is needed," and they are asked to stop. Until now, the Exodus was something that happened TO the people; they felt dragged along and uninvolved. Now they finally get a chance to express themselves and show God their appreciation for being rescued from slavery, and they love it!
Back in my anthropology classes, we usually came to the conclusion that there is no such thing as altruism. There's always some personal gain in everything that we do. But I don't think that has to be a bad thing. Sometimes we aren't looking for financial restitution or a shiny plaque praising our work; sometimes it's enough to feel empowered, to feel that someone, somewhere cared that we made the effort.
I really love this line in the Torah! It tells me so many different important things. 1. There was
no segregation - EVERYONE could bring something and contribute to the project. 2. Your heart needs to move you - you have to be inspired and really care about something. We each care about different projects, and it doesn't matter what you contribute to, it only matters that you care about something, and that you really put your heart and soul into it. 3. As the project supervisor, it's important to remember that everyone needs to feel empowered. When people are allowed to give input, and to share of themselves and of their individual passions, the entire project is enriched and enhanced because of it.
I don't think you need to be building a Tabernacle to see that these lessons apply to all of us today, just as they did in ancient times.
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