When I glance down at my wedding ring, I am flooded with memories and warm feelings. The value of my jewelry is estimated not in numbers but in sentimental value. For many women, jewelry often signifies milestones such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or the birth of a child. What would it take for a woman to willingly part with her gold, silver and precious gems, and donate them to an altruistic cause?

When the Jews were collecting materials for the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the women donated their expensive jewelry, even though they had no obligation to do so, as they did not need to rectify the sin of the golden calf.

This contribution was entirely their initiative, arising solely from the desire to give of themselves to glorify G‑d’s name.

Thoughtstream: Today, I will create my personal home for G‑d, granting precious resources of time and energy to my family.

(Adapted from Likkutei Sichot, vol. 26, Parshat Vayak’hel.)