Rabbi Rabinowitz writes of his concern that sacred sites today become the property of only a few people or less, because of the tendency to rely on the generosity of a few wealthy donors. In contrast, Terumah describes contributions from everyone in the community—many small contributions instead of a few large ones. Thus the whole community had ownership in the Tabernacle.
Rabbi Artson comments that the Menorah was the visible symbol of Judaism since antiquity; the Magen David was introduced during the Middle Ages. The parashah contains detailed instruction regarding the Menorah for the Tabernacle. Moses was undoubtedly confused. Interesting, Betzalel, who did not contribute any scholarship to Judaism, used his artistic genius to fashion the implements for the Tabernacle. Rabbi Artson writes that everyone has unique gifts.