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Chazal teach that the Kerashim, Planks, of the Mishkan were from a tree, she’eino oseh peiros, that was non fruit-bearing. One would think that the edifice from which such holiness emanated would have had walls that symbolized the future. What could be more symbolic of the future than bearing fruit? Yet, this is exactly what the Torah does not want. Dayan Moshe Swift, zl, explains that when the walls are comprised of fruit-bearing wood, there is always the fear that one might begin to think that it is the edifice that generates holiness, that the building itself is the primary…

Rashi adds: Li LiShmi, “Take for Me – for My Name.” What is Rashi teaching us by adding Li LiShmi – for My Name? Obviously, if a person contributes to the Mishkan which will serve as the repository for the Shechinah, Divine Presence, the person is doing so for Hashem. What does adding His Name add to the equation? The Chavos Yair offers a penetrating explanation which has powerful ramifications for the way we should give tzedakah, charity. He quotes the Shlah HaKadosh who posits that one who gives charity to a poor man – even an amount as miniscule…