Terumah (Exodus 25:2) opens as G-d tells Moses to collect donated materials from the Israelites, and build a dwelling place for Him called, the Tabernacle. This portable “Ark” was also to house the Ten Commandments, and to be kept in the most sacred room in the Temple.

But in order to have G-d’s presence dwell within it, Moses was only to accept offerings from people who felt compelled to contribute by the pull of their heart.

The Ark was made up of three parts. There was an inside box made of pure gold, a middle box made of acacia wood, and an outer box made of pure gold. All three of these came together to make a single unit.

It visually makes sense for the wood to be covered with gold on the outside, but you might be wondering why something that will almost never been seen by anyone needs to be encased in pure gold on the inside.

The answer is simple. The Ark is a reflection of what a Jew should be. As it is represented on the outside should be just as it is on the inside. In other words, our inward character should not be different than how we represent ourselves to our friends, family and strangers.

The Jewish people were willing to donate all of the materials and funds needed to complete the project. Jews who didn’t have the ability to donate financially, happily offered to assist with their time and skills.

We can learn a valuable lesson from the Jews of Moses’ generation. When we recognize a worthy cause, we should contribute whatever we’ve got, be it our time, talent, funds, or materials. And we should do it eagerly!