The rabbi tells his congregation, "I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets.
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What happens when six Rebbetzins gather together for Shabbos?
You have too much food – so much that you cannot possibly imagine eating!
That’s the ‘problem’ our family is facing this week in Victor, Idaho. We are gathered with fellow Chabad Shluchim families from Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming for a regional get-together. It’s a remarkable opportunity to share, study, schmooze and inspire each other. For the kids, it’s simply heaven.
Because of this ‘problem’, our family can truly relate to this week’s parsha, Vayakhel. When Moshe tells the Jewish people to bring donations for the construction of the Mishkan, they went beyond the call of duty. There was more than enough.
Moshe’s response:
So Moshe commanded, and they announced in the camp, saying: "Let no man or woman do any more work for the offering for the Holy." So the people stopped bringing. (Shemot/Exodus 35:6)
In an exemplary display of Jewish generosity, more than enough donations were offered. But, why didn’t Moshe accept the extra donations? Why not set up a rainy-day fund or a surplus fund? Would your local nonprofit reject extra funds?
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When we finish our weekend together, we will find a great use for any extra food. There are, after all, six families with children!
But, if something is donated to the Mishkan, its designation is sacred. Those items should not be used for mundane purposes. If so, they would sit in storage, possibly unused.
Here, we are taught a valuable lesson in Jewish values: Every item serves a purpose. Nothing really is ‘extra.’ An unused item fails to fulfill its destiny. This, then, might be the Jewish definition of junk. If G-d created something, it must serve a purpose. If it enters my orbit, it’s my duty to utilize it in a holy fashion. Everything in our lives – our homes, toys, vehicles, furniture and more – are part of our personal mission. Nothing is simply waste. If we view our objects as superfluous, it may be time to get rid of our spiritual junk.
All of it possesses tremendous spiritual potential. It’s our privilege – and duty – to unleash that energy. If not, its destiny – and ours – withers away.