Recognising the Gifts We Carry 

“If you need something done, give it to a busy person.” 

This idea is captured in a striking verse in this week’s Torah portion:
“And into the heart of every wise-hearted person I have placed wisdom.” (Exodus 31:6) 

The Talmud explains why the “wise-hearted” are given wisdom:
“The Holy One, blessed be He, gives wisdom only to one who already has wisdom.” (Berachot 55a) 

At first glance, this is puzzling. If a person already has wisdom, why is more needed? What does it mean that G-d grants wisdom only to those who already possess it? And what about everyone else? 

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that divine wisdom does not suddenly appear as a miracle. Rather, G-d bestows His blessing on those who already have the capacity for wisdom and have worked to develop it. In other words: G-d does not replace our effort — He builds upon it. 

This does not mean that only a select few are gifted. Rather, it means that every person is given seeds of wisdom — but those seeds grow only when nurtured. Each of us has strengths, sensitivities, and talents placed in our hearts by the Divine. Growth comes from recognising and cultivating what we have been given. 

That recognition requires honesty. It asks us to pause and consider: What have I been given? Where can I make a difference? What opportunities are waiting to be used? 

Judaism teaches that we are partners with G-d in shaping the world — building a society of kindness, integrity, and holiness. When we use our abilities to help others and strengthen our community, we bring out both the wisdom within us and the blessing from Above. 

Each of us has a role that no one else can play. Sometimes that role is visible, sometimes quiet — but it is always significant. 

Perhaps the message is simple and demanding at the same time: notice the wisdom already placed in your heart — and do something with it. When we step forward with what we have, we discover that G-d entrusts us with even more. 

May we have the courage to recognise our blessings and use them — to build, to contribute, and to bring more light into the spaces where we live and serve.