In this week's portion Moshe (Moses) about whom the Torah states, "He is trusted in all my house," (Numbers 12:7) renders an accounting of monies donated to the building of the Tabernacle.

This because the scorners of the generation gossiped even about Moshe. The Torah says: "When Moshe went out to the tent...all the people looked at Moshe. "(Exodus 33:8)

My rebbi in Chumash, Nehama Leibowitz pointed to a Midrash (Tanhuma Pekudei 7) which says: "'What a neck, what legs. Obviously , he eats and drinks what is ours.'

'What do you expect?' responded another. 'Being in charge of the Tabernacle funds he no doubt pockets much of the money contributed.'

When Moshe heard this, he said--'by your lives, as soon as the Tabernacle is finished I will render an accounting.' Hence the opening sentence of our portion--'and these are the accounts.'" (Exodus 38:21)

An important message: Leaders must be above board, they must be careful to leave no impression of impropriety.

Here again Nehama Leibowitz quotes various examples proving that public servants must always be above suspicion.

"The House of Garmu were expert in the making of showbread, but never was fine bread found in the hands of their children." (Yoma 38 A)

"The House of Avitnas were expert in preparing the incense, but never did a bride of theirs go forward perfumed." (Yoma 38A)

"He that went up to take an offering from the Shekel chamber did not wear a sleeved cloak." (Shekalim 3:2)

Compare this conduct to the news coming out of the White House concerning improper financial contributions. Gevalt!