One Act Contains the Promise of Eternity
As we conclude the book of Exodus this week, we read of Moses presenting a detailed account of the donations contributed for the construction of the Temple. Down to the very last piece of silver and copper that came into his hands, not a single coin remained unaccounted for.
There is a simple but very moving message here. In Jewish thought, there is no contribution in life that is not worthy of being accounted for. Every deed counts; every word, each gesture must be reckoned with. No contribution is too small to be counted and valued.
For Moses the single silver or copper coin contributed by the poor man, the tiny bracelet or earring contributed by an individual woman, must be counted with equal sincerity and passion. Why? Because in Judaism there is no such thing as a small or insignificant act. Every moment contains the promise of eternity and every deed changes the world.
We sometimes look out at the vast and overwhelming world around us. We read about global crisis and instability. At times we feel the darkness on earth is so great. "How can my little mitzvah make a difference?" we find ourselves wondering. "What difference will my small candles burning on Friday night make?"
Comes along this week’s Torah portion and reminds us. That when it comes to goodness and truth the quantity is insignificant. A tiny tablet contains immense healing power. The smallest act, if it’s a holy one, is infinite.
Moses understood the infinite value of a single deed of grace; of one mitzvah. And thus, at the climax and conclusion of the book of Exodus – the book of redemption – Moses enumerates and wholeheartedly acknowledges the contribution – big or small – of each and every member of Israel.
Let us internalize this week’s message and scrupulously not overlook any opportunity to fulfill – what may appear to be – the smallest of mitzvahs. Our very next act might just be the one that will tip the scale and bring ultimate redemption to the world.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Raleigh Resnick
