February 27, 2003
Gifts for Hashem
Follow JewishJournal.com on 
When the Israelites built the mishkan, the Torah says:
"Take from yourselves a portion for Hashem, everyone whose heart motivates him shall bring it, as the gift for Hashem -- gold, silver, copper; turquoise, purple and scarlet wool; linen; goat hair; red-dyed ram skins; acacia wood; oil ... spices."
What does the Torah mean when it says: "Take from yourselves?" The rabbis tell us that the Torah is saying: Everyone is unique. Each person has a unique talent. Therefore, each person will give what they know how to give of themselves. So, when you do a group project at school, or something with your family, think about your unique talent: Are you great at drawing? Building? Math? Acting? Whatever it is, give of that. Not only will people love it, but you will enjoy the act of giving much, much more.
Elections in Israel were held on Jan. 28. The head of the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) is not a president -- he is prime minister. Ariel Sharon and his Likud Party got more votes than anyone else, which means they won. The number of votes is measured in Knesset seats.
Answer this question:
How many Knesset seats are there?
