This week’s Torah portion is Pekudei. Moses is called upon by Hashem to construct the Tabernacle. In order to do so, Hashem anointed that each Jew "shall give, everyone who goes through the counting: half a shekel."
Now as we look forward we know Moses completed building the Tabernacle and the divine presence comes to dwell within it. I want to focus tonight on some of the details of the building. In the Midrash, we know that Hashem asks for anything the people can contribute: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Why gold, why silver, and why bronze? Why not just one? Let's look to something of present day: The Olympics. Each Olympian strives to be atop the podium; they want that gold medal. Each athlete wants to be the best in the world, to change it. But we can't all win the gold. Some of us prosper in competition, some don't. It isn't a testament to who we are, we all contribute differently. We may want to be the a philanthropist, a tutor, you name it, but without the silver and bronze we won't move forward. The Olympic Games are just like AEPi: every one of us brings something different to the table. In AEPi, we all have different roles. Some of us sit on the executive board leading each other to a higher success. Our strong brotherhood with individuals allows us as a chapter to grow from within. Our exciting social life affords us prosperous relationships with sororities, social groups, and alike around campus. Our Jewish outreach and philanthropic efforts to organizations like Chabad and 'Save A Child's Heart' present our continuous efforts to better the community. So just remember, it doesn't matter if you're helping save puppies in Sochi or shredding the half-pipe, each and every one of us matters.
Jason is pictured on the right.