For Jews, one of the great classical sources of Jewish wisdom is Pirke Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) which contains many a statement about what this or that rabbi used to say. And, in the entire work, there is but one story, which only appears towards the end of the book.
It is a story told by a rabbi, Yosi ben Kisma. One day, Rabbi Yosi ben Kisma was out walking on the road when he was met by a man. As the story is told, the man greeted him: "Shalom." Rabbi Yosi ben Kisma replied: "Shalom." The man then said, "Rabbi, from what place are you?" The rabbi responded: "I am from a great city of scholars and sages." The man continued, "Rabbi, if you will live with us in our place, I will give you a million dinars, gold, silver, stones and pearls." Rabbi Yosi ben Kisma replied: "Even if you give me all the silver and gold, precious stones and pearls in the world, I will dwell only in a place of Torah..."
Over the centuries, commentators debate the wisdom, goodness, and/or appropriateness of Rabbi Yosi ben Kisma's response. How dare he think he can turn his back on helping his fellow Jews, says one. He understands that the only thing that really matters is Torah, says another. And, so on and so on. Nevertheless, in reading this week's Torah portion and its mention of gold and silver, I found within this story another profound and deeply inspirational message.
The parashah opens with God commanding Moses to take a census of the Children of Israel by collecting a half-shekel coin from each adult. (Incidentally, it was in this current Hebrew month, Adar, when that collection took place so that the funds would be available before the next month of Nisan.) Dedicating these silver coins to the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, the Torah says: "And you shall take the atonement (kesef - silver) money of the people of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting."(Exodus 30:16)
Not so long afterwards, the parashah climaxes with the account of yet another collection of precious metal. This time, however, we encounter a people frustrated that Moses has yet to return from atop Mt. Sinai, becoming restless and demanding of Aaron that he help them make a god-like figure, a tangible representation of God's power. So, Aaron says to them: 'Break off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.' (Exodus 32:2). Of course, the people do indeed take off their golden rings and bring them to Aaron after which the Golden calf is built.
So, how do we understand this connection of precious metals and what is its impact on interpreting Rabbi Yosi be Kisma's story? The easy way to explain the difference in these would be to say one is silver and the other is gold and perhaps the message is that one precious metal is holy and the other is not. But, I don't think it is quite that simple.
According to Rashi, God showed Moses a half-shekel coin made of fire and said, "Like this one shall they give." (Rashi on Exodus 30:13). The 18th century Polish Hasidic master, Noam Elimelech (Reb Elimelech of Lizensk) interprets this to mean that God showed Moses that money is like fire. It can be beneficial or destructive. It can help protect and nourish; or, it can be used to hurt or destroy.
Many are the chapters and verses detail the intricate designs and deliberate makings of the Tabernacle that will be God's sanctuary amongst the people. In collecting the half a shekel, the rich paid not more and the poor no less. Every single person participated in and became an essential partner in the creating holy space and elevating the people who helped make it happen and the material wealth it took to create it.
On the other hand, as Rashi tells us, there was no real plan for the Golden Calf. Aaron haphazardly threw the gold into a fire, out of which emerged the shape of the Calf (Rashi on Exodus 32:3), after which the people reveled in what turned into licentiousness, murder, and idolatry. (Rashi on Exodus 32:6)
As I read this parashah this year and think back to the story of Rabbi Yosi Ben Kisma, this is the message I take with me. Our money is a fire - and we decide if it will nurture and sustain, or if it will destroy and destruct. Gold and silver mean nothing if the values of Torah are missing. The Torah's intention is not to condemn personal possession, even great wealth. But, the Torah does demand a certain mode of usage. Wealth is not supposed to be about selfishness and greed, nor is it about ego. Rather, our fortune and abundance is a true invitation to become partners in the implementation of the Divine Will.
So, in this time of great need in our community and our world, may we be blessed to share our great fortune, even if a half a shekel, in ways that build a sanctuary in which we and God can indeed dwell together.
Shabbat Shalom.