In Parshat Terumah, Hashem gave Moshe instructions to tell Bnei Yisrael that they may donate items in order to build Him a place to dwell. To donate is the root of the parsha’s name as well as the action that Hashem is telling Moshe to instruct to Bnei Yisrael. Not only is this parsha about donating in general, but donating to Hashem. When we fast forward a few more parshiot, we will read that Bnei Yisrael had done this wholeheartedly and gave more than was needed.

This connects to Rosh Chodesh Adar, which we celebrated this week (Adar 1). This year we have been given two Adars, which means double the happiness. There is a saying about Adar, משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה (when a person goes into the month of Adar they will be filled with joy.) During Adar everyone is supposed to be happy, but what brings about happiness? When many holidays, especially Purim, come around, it is a bigger mitzvah to give tzedaka. The tzedaka may serve as a thank you to Hashem giving us a reason to celebrate, to show that we realize everything is from Him, or to help others share in our joy. Another reason is that when we give and we help others voluntarily, knowing that it is the right action, we get joy.

Avraham Avinu saw the joy in giving to others and we who are descended from him have that same choice. We had the choice to give and donate to Hashem in this week’s parsha but, we also have it nowadays. By giving tzedaka, food, jobs, your time and more to others, we are donating not only to people, but to Hashem, because we are helping those created in His image. The act of giving is something that should be done wholeheartedly and is a big mitzvah because when we do it it is both for God and man. May we all be blessed with helping others and being filled with simcha this month and always.

By Shira Sedek