In honor of Adar, National Jewish “Increase Happiness” Month, a joke:

Why was the doctor very calm? (Answer at bottom).

This week’s portion, Trumah, begins with the first fundraiser in Jewish history.

Here’s what’s odd: G-d says, “Speak to the children of Israel that they should take for me a portion…”

“Take”?  “Take” is self-directed verb; why not “give”?

Judaism 101:  it’s impossible to do favors – i.e. give – to G-d.  He’s Infinite, lacking nothing.  When we ”give” – money, effort, passion – to do Divine deeds, we’re really taking.   If we don’t know that, we’re not living in reality.

Recently, my kids were excited about getting ice cream for saying the blessing for a meal.  My oldest began to sing it by heart.

“Use a bentcher (prayer book),” I said.

“I don’t want to.”

“No prayer book, no treat.”

Then he got upset.

“Tatti, sometimes you put so much pressure on me,” he said sadly.  “You push and push; I feel guilty if I don’t do it!”

That got me.  The message I was sharing: mitzvos are things we have to do – or else!  May we be blessed to remember – doing good is only our pleasure.

Good Shabbos!

HH

(Answer: He had a lot of patients).