50 Shades of Giving: The First Crowdfunding Campaign in History

Shabbat Shalom, dear friends!

If you’ve ever been involved in fundraising, you know it’s no easy task. You have to inspire people, convince them of the importance of the cause, and—let’s be honest—sometimes gently guilt them into opening their wallets. It turns out, this isn’t a modern challenge. This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Teruma, gives us the first mass fundraising campaign in history!

And this wasn’t just any fundraising effort—it was for the most demanding client ever: God Himself. And let me tell you, God is a very, very strict customer. If you think some donors come with long lists of demands, wait until you read three full Torah chapters that are basically the ancient version of an IKEA catalog detailing every aspect of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

And on and on it goes—materials, dimensions, gold here, acacia wood there, exact placement of every detail. When God gives specifications, even the most meticulous interior designer would be impressed. Even Nicole Raidman would say, "Wow, that's a bit much!"

The Heart of Giving

Like any great project, the Mishkan needed funding. Enter the first-ever crowdfunding campaign!

Notice something interesting? It doesn’t just say “ask them for money.” Instead, it emphasizes the heart—the intention behind the giving. This wasn’t about a tax or a mandatory fee, but about giving with generosity, with passion, with the right energy.

And here’s the twist: Even though this was a voluntary campaign, the Torah still insists that giving must come from a pure place. Why? Because giving isn’t just about the money—it’s about the mindset.

We all know people who give, but…

• Some give only when asked.

• Some give to see their name on a building.

• Some give begrudgingly, with a sigh.

The Torah is asking something deeper: What kind of giver are you?

50 Shades of Giving

Fast forward a few centuries, and Maimonides, in his Mishneh Torah, lays out eight levels of giving—essentially, 50 Shades of Giving (well, maybe just eight). They range from:

1. Giving unwillingly, with a sour face, all the way to…

2. Helping someone become self-sufficient, giving them a loan or opportunity instead of just charity.

And in between, he talks about anonymity, dignity, and the deeper ethics of giving.

Now, here’s the kicker: Maimonides' model isn’t just about money. It’s about a whole philosophy of giving.

Because let’s be honest—not all of us are philanthropists. Not all of us can write a big check to build the next Mishkan. But each of us is a giver in some way.

• Sometimes, we give money.

• Sometimes, we give time.

• Sometimes, we give a kind word, a smile, or our attention.

And just like in the Mishkan, where the smallest gifts—gold, silver, wood—were all equally necessary, so too in our lives: Every act of giving counts.

What Kind of Giver Are You?

So, I ask again: What kind of giver are you?Are you the reluctant giver? The proud giver? The anonymous giver? The one who gives before being asked?

The beauty of Parashat Teruma is that it’s not about how much you give—it’s about how you give. And perhaps, even more importantly, it’s about recognizing that all of us, at some point, are also on the receiving end.

Spoiler for Another Post…

Each of us is not just a giver—we are also in need. Not always of money, but sometimes of a smile, attention, or a kind word.

May we be blessed to give with generosity, to receive with gratitude, and to remember that every act of giving—no matter how small—can help build something sacred.

Shabbat Shalom!