Q: Why does the Torah emphasize “And the men came upon the women” in the donations for the Tabernacle? Is this just a technical description, or is there a deeper message about women’s status in divine service?
In Parashat Vayakhel, when the Israelites bring their contributions for the Tabernacle, the Torah uses an unusual and specific phrase to describe the order of donations:
📖 “And the men came upon the women, all whose hearts were willing brought bracelets, earrings, rings, and brooches, all kinds of gold vessels…” (Exodus 35:22)
The Torah could have simply stated, “And the Israelites came and gave,” but instead, it emphasizes, “And the men came upon the women.”
What is the significance of this phrase?
Is it just a chronological detail, or is there a deeper message here about the role of women in divine service?
1. The Women Gave First – But Why?
🔹 Rashi brings from the Midrash that the women were the first to donate to the Tabernacle!
🔹 The verse suggests that the men “came upon the women”—meaning that only after the women had already volunteered did the men join them.
📖 Rashi (Exodus 35:22): “And the men came upon the women—against their will. They found them already donating and did not hold back from contributing as well.”
🔹 In other words, the women led the way, inspiring the men to follow.
🔹 This was no coincidence—the women immediately understood the spiritual significance of the Tabernacle and joyfully donated their gold and jewelry.
🔹 Only after their initiative did the men participate.
🟢 Lesson for Life:
When enthusiasm is genuine, it spreads to everyone—just like today, when we show love for spiritual acts, it influences those around us.
2. A Rectification for the Sin of the Golden Calf – Women Did Not Sin
🔹 There is a direct connection between the donations for the Tabernacle and the sin of the Golden Calf, as the Tabernacle was meant to atone for the misuse of gold in idol worship.
🔹 The Midrash teaches that the women did not participate in the sin of the Golden Calf!
🔹 When the men asked them to give their gold for the idol, they refused.
🔹 But when it came to the Tabernacle, they were the first to donate joyfully and wholeheartedly.
📖 Midrash Tanchuma (Vayakhel 9):
“The women said: ‘We know that this idol is meaningless,’ and they refused to give their jewelry. But for the Tabernacle, they immediately contributed.”
🟢 Lesson for Life:
The women recognized the difference between false worship and true service to God.
🔹 They did not follow the crowd blindly, and they were the first to contribute to holiness.
3. Women as Spiritual Leaders
🔹 The phrase “And the men came upon the women” is not just a chronological detail—it reveals a deeper truth about spiritual influence.
🔹 The women were the ones who led the way in this act of holiness.
🔹 The Torah teaches us that the men followed the women’s example because their spiritual intuition guided them first.
💡 Another Example?
📖 When the Israelites left Egypt, the women took tambourines with them, knowing there would be miracles and songs of praise.
📖 After the splitting of the Red Sea, Miriam the Prophetess led the women in joyous song and dance:
“And Miriam the Prophetess took the tambourine in her hand…” (Exodus 15:20)
🟢 Lesson for Life:
The faith and spiritual leadership of women is a powerful force that can inspire and uplift everyone around them.
🔹 It is no coincidence that the Torah highlights the significant role of women in shaping the spiritual direction of the Jewish people.
4. Transforming the Physical into the Holy – A Women’s Strength
🔹 The construction of the Tabernacle involved gold, silver, and other physical materials—but these were transformed into vessels of holiness, bringing God’s presence into the world.
🔹 Women have a natural ability to take the physical and elevate it into something spiritual. This was evident in their donations to the Tabernacle.
🔹 They were the first to recognize how gold could be sanctified, turning it from mere jewelry into a means of divine service.
💡 Another Example?
📖 A woman lights Shabbat candles—transforming simple oil into a holy light.
📖 A woman ensures kosher food—turning everyday meals into something spiritually pure.
🟢 Lesson for Life:
🔹 What matters is not the physical object but what we do with it.
🔹 When we dedicate our material possessions to holiness, we create a “mini-Tabernacle” within our own lives.
Summary – What Does “And the Men Came Upon the Women” Teach Us?
✔ The women led the way in donating to the Tabernacle—they were more enthusiastic and spiritually connected.
✔ The women did not sin with the Golden Calf—so they were the first to correct that mistake through generosity.
✔ Women are spiritual leaders—they inspire those around them to follow in their footsteps.
✔ The power to sanctify the physical—women have the ability to take something material and turn it into a vessel of holiness.
🔹 Final Message for Our Lives?
Whenever we see a repetition in the Torah, it is not just telling us a historical fact—it is teaching us a deeper truth.
🔹 The Torah is not merely stating who donated first; it is revealing who led the way in bringing holiness into the world.
🔹 And the answer is clear: the women were the spiritual driving force behind the sanctification of the Jewish people.
🔥 Just as the Tabernacle became a dwelling place for the Divine Presence, our hearts and homes can also become holy spaces for God!
