Moe needed a doctor and insisted on only going to the best. He found the most expensive doctor in Manhattan, but when it came time to pay he protested, “What, $1,500 for a 45 minute visit?!” The manager explained that while there are cheaper doctors, Doctor Stein was a world renowned specialist. ”Why did you seek out an expensive specialist if you knew you couldn’t afford it?” she challenged. “Because,” said Moe with conviction, “When it comes to my health, money is no object!”
But it was quite different when it came to contributing funds and materials for the construction of the Mishkan, the Temple in the desert.
In fact, at one point Moses had to send out a special message to the Jews to stop bringing donations! “We have enough!”
In our hearts we really want to do good. And when we are inspired, that deep essential desire emerges. At such a time, we are willing, nay, we are eager, to give of ourselves and of our hard earned possessions to be part of a noble cause.
The Jews at the time were so inspired by G-d’s forgiveness of their sin of the Golden Calf, and so much yearned to be close to G-d, that their essence was speaking and acting, and truly, money was no object.