| "And they shall take for Me a donation…"
I once heard a humorous remark that the first and only fundraiser in Jewish history where the people were asked to stop donating—because there was already more than enough—was for the Mishkan. Since then, every appeal that has ever been made has never seemed to be enough.
Now, in all seriousness—do we truly understand the incredible importance of the mitzvah of tzedakah? Rebbe Nachman, in Likutey Moharan (II:71), reveals that all of the pleasant and beneficial influences that descend into this world come properly only when there is a fitting vessel to receive them. And what is that vessel? The mitzvah of tzedakah—when it is given with a pure heart and a genuine desire to reveal the honor of HaShem.
This idea is alluded to in Tehillim (27:4):"To behold the pleasantness of HaShem and to visit His sanctuary." The final letters of these words spell terumah (donation), hinting that through the mitzvah of terumah and tzedakah, one can merit receiving the true divine noam (pleasantness) that is bestowed upon us.
The upcoming festivals of Purim and Pesach are deeply connected to the mitzvah of tzedakah—these are days when giving is at the heart of our service to HaShem. The spiritual merits gained through tzedakah during this time are beyond comprehension. This is our opportunity to build the proper vessel to receive HaShem's abundant blessings and divine noam.
May we all be privileged to give generously and merit experiencing the ultimate noam of HaShem. Amen!
Shabbat Shalom | 
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