This weeks Parasha “Ki Sisa,” which literally means “when you will raise up.” But in the context of the verse, the term is translated, “when you will count.”
“This they shall give, every one that passes among them that are numbered, half a shekel of the shekel of the Sanctuaty.”(Shemot 30:13)
Rashi comments that G-d showed Moses a coin of fire. This symbolizes that money has similarities with fire. Fire has the capacity to warm a cold place, brighten a dark place,or help people prepare food. At the same time it has the potential to destroy property and even lives.
A person can ruin his life and the lives of others in the pursuit of money. Or he can help many people with it by building worthwhile institutions.
This is why “Ki Sisa” (when you will raise up). Everything we have and do should be done for this purpose alone.
Some excerpts taken from “Growth Through Torah” by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
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