We read where all the Hebrew people were told to give of their silver and gold and etc. for the making of the Tabernacle. You will notice it says they “wholeheartedly” gave. I believe this is where some people need to come up a level. The first level is to give when asked, but complain about it; the second level is to give when asked and no complaining with it; the third is to give to someone without telling the person where it came from; the fourth is to give when you don’t know who it’s going to, and the receiver doesn’t know who gave it; and the fifth is to give enough to help put that person back on their feet again, so they can make it on their own. Everyone contributed to the Tabernacle except Moses. Here is where the Midrash says that Moses felt sad, for he hadn’t given anything.

However, YHVH tells him that “his contribution” is his words of Torah. They are worth far more than anything else anyone could possibly give. What good would the most beautiful building be, if there were not any words of Torah to go inside of it? We see YHVH’S command for the building of the altar of incense after everything else has already been mentioned, why would it be listed last? It is believed by many commentators, it was because it wasn’t absolutely necessary for the functioning of the Tabernacle. The lights could not be lit without the menorah, the sacrifices could not take place without the altar, but incense may be offered even if the golden altar is absent.

Therefore, it was an optional accessory, listed after the standard equipment. Just as today, we can offer up our prayers without the Temple being here. That’s one option we could all use more of, along with giving. So make “prayers” and “giving” standard equipment in your Torah walk!