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A Mandatory Donation (Parashat Terumah)

February 19, 2010 | By David Katzenelson

Media Type(s): Torah Commentary

Textual Source: Exodus

Torah Portion: Terumah

This resource is part of the Torah Queeries collection.

The author explores the notion of terumah, translated as gift, portion, offering, or donation. He asks how this can be considered a donation if, in the context of this Torah portion, God commands the Israelites to give a terumah. Further, why does God require gifts? And what is the purpose of the terumah? The author argues that terumah is something we have to give in order to have the community, religious, and spiritual life we want to have.

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