שמות, פרק ל״ה, פסוק כ׳

After Moses completes his instructions for building the Tabernacle, the Israelites disperse to begin their work. This gathering takes place on the Day of Atonement as Moses descends from the mountain [צפנת פענח]. It marks a moment of immense joy, celebrating the forgiveness the people received following the sin of the Golden Calf and the privilege of constructing a space where God's presence will dwell among them [צרור המור]. The Tabernacle is meant to be a tangible, powerful link to God. It functions much like a highly complex system requiring absolute precision, meaning every instruction and detail demands exact compliance [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The assembly ends, and the people leave the Tent of Meeting in organized groups [קאסוטו, רש ר הירש, אבן עזרא, ביאור יש״ר]. Their departure is marked by remarkable speed and unity. They move together as one, without a single person lingering behind, rushing to gather their contributions [אור החיים, חומת אנך]. This sudden exit is driven by a desire for pure intentions. Moses initially hopes the people will donate while gathered together to inspire one another. However, the Israelites prefer to leave immediately and contribute in secret. By doing so, they ensure their giving is entirely sincere, motivated neither by public shame nor the desire to show off [שפתי כהן].

The specific way the people part from Moses highlights their deep devotion, though commentators explain their actions in different ways. One perspective suggests the people display profound reverence by walking backward as they leave his presence. While this is a traditional sign of respect from students to a teacher, the emphasis here is that the entire congregation, without a single exception, acts with this elevated level of honor [העמק דבר]. Another approach suggests their sheer excitement causes them to leave prematurely, stepping away before Moses officially gives them permission to go. Their love for the Commandment simply overrides standard rules of etiquette. Furthermore, they worry that Moses, who is wealthy and deeply devoted to God's commands, might pay for the entire Tabernacle out of his own pocket. To prevent this, they rush out to secure their own part in the project before he can [אור החיים].

This speed and enthusiasm are especially clear among the women. During the sin of the Golden Calf, they firmly refused to hand over their jewelry. Now, replacing any past restraint with joyful generosity, they rush to bring their gold. They move so quickly that by the time the men arrive to donate, the women are already there. Because of their steadfast loyalty during the earlier sin and their intense dedication to the Tabernacle, the women receive a special reward in this world and the next, which includes the festival of the New Moon as their own dedicated day of rest and renewal [רבנו בחיי, צאינה וראינה, צרור המור]. At the same time, despite the overwhelming eagerness sweeping through the camp, the common people maintain proper respect, pausing to quietly allow the community leaders to present their contributions first [חומת אנך].