Blessings on the Hidden

A question is asked regarding the detailed accounting of the items used in the construction of the Mishkan. The amounts that were donated represented great wealth among the Jewish people. Shouldn’t there have been a concern that such information would arouse the jealousy of the surrounding nations when they see how, “the Jews have all of the money?”

There is an important statement of Chazal that, אין הברכה נמצאת אלא על דבר הסמוי מן העין, “Blessings are only found on that which is hidden from the eye.” This is explained by Chassidic masters to mean that blessings are reflected by an inner force of holiness. And this holiness connects to modesty and humility.

When something is revealed and out in the open, it is subject to evil external forces. These forces may have the power to block the blessings. This is why we are urged not to show off our wealth, or boast about our good fortune to others.

The situation with the Mishkan was an exception to this rule. Because of Moshe Rabbeinu’s greatness, he was able to ward off any of these negative forces. In this case, it was more important to show the nation the integrity of all that went into building the dwelling place of Hashem.