Tehillim On The Parsha: Terumah: Silver & Gold

The Midrash says, “Take for me a portion,” says God. “Take” can also mean to purchase. A person may purchase something that has gold but no silver. He may also purchase something that has silver but no gold. “That which you have purchased from me, the Torah,” says God, “has both silver and gold.”

We find silver that the Torah has silver in the verse, (Psalms 12:7), “The words of God or pure words, like purified silver, clear to the world, refined sevenfold.”

We also find gold in the Torah, as we see in the verse (Psalms 19:11), “They are more desirable than gold, than even much fine gold, and sweeter than honey, and drippings from the combs.”

Silver offers less shine but more purity than gold. Gold, on the other hand, is more attractive to the eye, but does not have the same purity as silver. This MIdrash teaches us that we must focus on both aspects of Torah when studying: We must approach Torah in purity, and with an appreciation of its attractive beauty. Our studies should focus on deriving attractive lessons and thoughts that refine our character. – Rabbi Yehuda Livaii, Tiferet Yisrael