This week’s parsha, Terumah, gives us what might be the first Jewish fundraising campaign. Before there were pledge cards or development committees, there was Moses in the desert trying to build a Mishkan (holy tabernacle) saying, essentially, “If your heart moves you, please donate your gold, silver, or that really nice fabric.” And the people gave—not because Moses pressured them, but because they understood the purpose. The Mishkan wasn’t a financial goal; it was a mission.

For decades, Jewish Federations were often viewed exclusively as fundraising machines. Boston’s longtime legendary executive director, Barry Shrage, often reminded people, “Our mission is not to fundraise; we fundraise to fulfill our mission.” And our mission—here and now—is to build and maintain a strong and united Jewish community.

Terumah shows us that the Torah’s first fundraiser wasn’t about money. It was about meaning, belonging, and shared responsibility. The giving came after the mission, not instead of it.

That’s still our north star. We don’t fundraise because it’s who we are. We fundraise because it’s how we build our Mishkan.

And with Super Sunday coming up on March 15, we’re inviting you to help us do exactly that. Please answer the call when it comes—or, if you’d prefer not to be called, you can make your gift now: https://jewishfedny.givingfuel.com/give .