ויבואו האנשים על הנשים…(ויקהל לה:כב)

A group of Askanim – community activists from a Torah institution came to the Imrei Chaim of Viznitz zt’’l requesting that the Imrei Chaim serve as the guest of honor at their upcoming educational fundraising dinner.  The Imrei Chiam agreed on one condition, that there would be separate seating for the men and women.  The activists tried to explain to the Imrei Chaim that they also want separate seating; however, the majority of donors aren’t so observant, and if there will be separate seating, they won’t attend the function.

The Imrei Chiam smiled and said: In Parshas Vayakheil, Moshe commanded the Yidden to bring their donations for the work of the Mishkan. Since everyone wanted to participate, they came in mixed crowds “ויבואו האנשים על הנשים” – when the activists saw this, they exclaimed: “איש ואשה על יעשו עוד יחד” – men and women shouldn’t do this together, just “מלאכה לתרומת הקדש – everyone should bring separately.’

“What do you think happened? People stopped bringing donations? ” concluded the Imrei Chaim,“ the Torah says ‘והמלאכה היתה דים והותר’ – there still remained extra donations…whoever holds steadfast on Hashem’s will, never loses from it.