"And you shall take for me a contribution,"1 is the opening statement of this week's Parshah. The fact that it reads "You shall take for me a contribution" and not "You shall give for me a contribution" indicates that one who gives is also a recipient. In fact, that which one receives is even greater than that which one gives.

A Story

This point is well illustrated by the following story. In medieval Europe a rabbi was appointed senior adviser at the royal court. At one point, the rabbi was asked to disclose the records of his holdings. The rabbi, a wealthy man, produced a list and hand delivered it to the king.

However, upon investigation it was discovered that many of his properties were not listed. The ministers brought their discovery to the king, and accused the rabbi of deceipt.

The rabbi explained: "When the king asked me to disclose my holdings I included only those properties and funds that I have donated to charity. Those are the holdings I know will always be mine. All other properties do not truly belong to me, for today they are mine and tomorrow they may be taken from me..."

Indeed, he who gives is in truth a recipient. For only through giving can we acquire those properties for eternity.