Parashat Ki Tisa- Sincere Charity
The Torah in Parashat Ki-Tisa describes the credentials of Besalel, the chief artisan assigned over the construction of the Mishkan and its Kelim (furnishings). Among Besalel’s qualities listed in the Torah we find the ability "La’hashob Mahashabot La’asot Ba’zahav U’ba’kesef U’banehoshet" ("to think thoughts, to work with gold, silver and copper" – 31:4). What does the Torah mean when it describes Besalel’s ability to "think thoughts" as he worked with the precious metals? What kind of "thoughts" did he have to "think" during this process?
There is a famous story told of Rav Haim of Volozhin (Lithuania, 1749-1821) which explains the meaning of this verse, and also offers valuable insight into the manner and mindset with which we must give charity.
The Yeshiva which Rav Haim founded, the renowned Yeshiva of Volozhin, decided to hire an administrator to do its fundraising, so that the Rosh Yeshiva would not have to bear this responsibility alone. Before Rav Haim sent the administrator off to collect funds, the man told the Rosh Yeshiva that he would need an elegant suit.
"If I’m meeting with wealthy, prominent people," the man said, "then I need to dress appropriately, so I can respectably represent the Yeshiva."
Rav Haim agreed, and authorized the purchase of an elegant suit at the Yeshiva’s expense.
But then the administrator noted that a good suit is worthless without a fitting pair of shoes. Once again, Rav Haim authorized the purchase of shoes. Thereafter, the administrator demanded that the Yeshiva purchase for him a proper carriage with strong, healthy horses. All this was – justifiably – deemed necessary in order for the man to represent the Yeshiva honorably when he meets with potential donors.
Along his trip, the fundraiser came to the home of a certain exceptionally wealthy and distinguished donor, who each year made a large contribution to the Yeshiva which covered half its annual budget. Surprisingly, however, this time the man gave a small, nominal donation. The man was aghast. The Yeshiva’s budget had come to depend on this donor’s funds, but now, for some unknown reason, he decided to discontinue his large contribution.
The man returned to Volozhin and reported to Rav Haim what had happened. Puzzled, and alarmed, Rav Haim had no choice but to personally travel to this donor’s home and ask him why he had suddenly downsized his annual contribution.
When the Rabbi arrived, the donor explained to him the reason for his change of heart.
"I have always been very happy to support your Yeshiva, to give money for the purchase of books, for the lighting in the Bet Midrash, and for food for the students who devote themselves to Torah day and night. But when your fundraiser showed up, dressed in fancy clothing and riding in an expensive, luxurious carriage, I was dismayed. I realized that my funds are going not toward Torah, but toward fancy clothes and horses. This is not what I want to pay for!"
Rav Haim responded by drawing the man’s attention to the Torah’s description of Besalel, his ability to "think thoughts." Besalel was endowed with special insight which enabled him to know the thoughts of each donor, to determine his level of sincerity. He could look at each piece of gold, silver and copper and determine whether it was donated sincerely, for the idealistic purpose of bringing the Divine Presence, or for selfish purposes, for honor and distinction. The materials brought sincerely were allocated for the most sacred materials in the Mishkan, whereas those donated for less idealistic motives were used for the less important needs of the Mishkan.
"God knows how sincere you are in your desire to support Torah learning," Rav Haim said to the donor. "The monies you donate will, no doubt, go toward the books, the lighting and the food. The money for the horse and shoes will come from donations made for less-than-altruistic motives. But you don’t have to worry – God will ensure that the money you donate, with such pure intentions, will go directly to the holiest needs of the Yeshiva."
Charity is meaningful and valuable regardless of the motivations behind it. Even if a person gives begrudgingly, and even if he gives for purposes of self-glorification, he has fulfilled an important Misva and will be rewarded. However, when a person gives with sincerity and purity of heart, he fulfills a Misva on an entirely different level. This donation goes straight to the "Kodesh Ha’kodashim," toward the most sacred domain, bringing him incalculable merit, blessing and reward.
