Ch. 25, v. 2: “V’Yikchu li trumoh .. asher yivenu libo Tikchu es trumosi” – The verse starts off with “v’Yikchu,” and THEY shall take, and ends with “Tikchu,” you shall take. Some people donate only out of obligation, but are not happy that they have to give. Others are happy to donate. For those who have “n’divus ha’leiv,” the verse says “Tikchu,” second person, face to face. For those who give only out of obligation, the verse says “v’Yikchu,” third person, hidden, a like response. (Rabbi Leibel Eiger in Toras Emes) Ch. 25, v. 2: “Mei’eis kol ish .. tikchu es trumosi” – The mishnoh in Pirkei Ovos 4:1 says “Ei’zehu chochom halomeid mikol odom,” – Who is a wise man? He who learns from every person. This is alluded
to in our verse. From every man .. you shall take lessons in how to elevate yourself. (Nirreh li) Ch. 25, v. 2: “Asher yidvenu libo tikchu es trumosi” – From the powerful lusts that are driven by the heart, you should take a lesson in serving Hashem. Serve Hashem with the same enthusiasm. (The Holy Baal Shem Tov) Ch. 25, v. 11: “V’tzipiso oso zohov tohor mibayis umichutz” –
The gemara Yoma 72b derives from these words that a Torah scholar must be straight, his inside and outside in harmony. We sometimes find a person who pursues Torah and receives remuneration for it. Sometimes he receives honour. Is this an improper pursuit? It really depends on his intentions. If he gets paid and only wants the money to pay for his basic necessities so that he can learn Torah and do mitzvos, wants to receive honour only so that he is held in esteem for the purpose of being listened to when he calls for “yiras Hashem” and strict adherence to His mitzvos, then his “inner and outer” are well synchronized.
We see this from the construction of the Holy Ark. Included in learning from its construction that a Torah scholar be “tocho k’baro,” that the outside and inside are gilded. However, there is also a third layer, the inner wooden frame. On the outside we see a Torah scholar who learns and behaves as a G-d fearing individual should. On the inside, his inner drive, is to receive the accompanying benefits only for Heaven’s sake.
The wooden lower level of benefits are not only acceptable, but are part and parcel of the Holy Ark. (Ponim Yofos) Ch. 25, v. 25: “V’osiso zeir zohov l’misgarto” – The showbread table symbolizes sustenance. On one hand it requires a “misge’res,” limitation and restraint.
On the other hand it requires magnanimity. Use the former when feeding yourself and the latter when feeding others. (Nirreh li) Ch. 25, v. 31: “M’noras zohov tohore mikshoh” – To shine and be pure in service of Hashem one has to go through many trials and tribulations. (Maa’sei Ha’menorah) Ch. 26, v. 1: “Maa’sei chosheiv taa’seh” – We sometimes don’t understand the reason for certain mitzvos.
The first thing is to do them anyway, “maa’sei,” even without understanding. Once we have committed ourselves to fulfilling the mitzvoh we may think into its rationale, “chosheiv.” We will then have a deeper appreciation of the mitzvoh and then we can do it on a higher level, “taa’seh.” (Nirreh li) Ch. 26, v. 6: “V’hoyoh hamishkon echod” –
The “sh’chinoh,” Hashem’s Holy Spirit will be present when, “echod,” the bnei Yisroel are unified. (Rabbi Nachman of Breslav)