The very long Parshiot of Vayakhel and Pekudei, seem to be a kind of taking inventory in connection with how contributions were allocated.

A very successful public appeal was made, to gather all of the materials needed for the construction of the Mishkan. It was so successful that Moshe Rabbeinu had to tell the people to stop giving.

The lesson learned from these Parshiot, is the responsibility placed on public figures to keep their hands clean. This is particularly true when such leaders have access to large amounts of public funds. They must avoid the temptation of taking what is not theirs.

This was demonstrated by both Moshe Rabbeinu and the Prophet Shmuel. Moshe was careful to give a meticulous accounting of every single item used in the construction of the Mishkan. He even counted the hooks that were used for the curtains.

The Talmud in Masechet Brachot contrasted Shmuel to his disciple, Elisha. While the latter accepted the kind offer of the Shunamite woman, to lodge by her, Shmuel never accepted any offers that could be considered a benefit of being a prophet in Israel.

Both Moshe and Shmuel made declarations that they took nothing for themselves in their roles as leaders of the Jewish people. Contrast this to a list of former American presidents, that listed their net worth before entering the presidency, and their net worth after their term in office. A Jewish leader is taught that he is to serve his people with sincerity and devotion. He puts aside personal gain for the sake of Am Yisrael. Moshe and Shmuel set the standard that was meant to be followed for all time.

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