March 18, 2023; 25 Adar, 5783
Parsha
“And the princes brought the Shoham stones and filling stones for the Ephod and for the Choshen.” (Shmos 35:27)
Rashi quotes a Midrash, that the princes (“Nesiim”), pledged to donate whatever would be missing after the rest of Bnei Yisrael finished giving to the construction of the Mishkan. They underestimated the peoples’ generosity and enthusiasm. The only things left to be donated were the precious gems needed for the Kohen Gadol’s breastplate and garments. These are the precious stones referenced in the Possuk above that were given by the Nesiim...