Rabbi Yitzhak's Blog

The Shabbat before Rosh Hodesh Adar is called “Shabbat Shekalim,” because on this Shabbat, after the normal Torah reading, we read the section from the Torah that introduces the Mitzva of “Machasit Ha’shekel” – the annual half-shekel tax. 

Each year, starting on Rosh Hodesh Adar, the officials in charge of the Bet Ha’mikdash would begin collecting this tax from the people, because one month later, on Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the public sacrifices should be paid for from new funds.  We commemorate the Mitzva of “Machatzit Ha’shekel” by reading this section from the Torah on the Shabbat preceding Rosh Hodesh Adar.

We must ask, what is so significant about this Mitzva that we make a special commemoration in the synagogue?  Rabbenu Bahya (Spain, 1255-1340) addresses the question discussed by many commentators as to why the Torah required paying only a half-shekel, rather than a whole shekel.  Once the Torah was establishing a mandatory annual tax, why didn’t it require paying a whole unit of currency?

Rabbenu Bahya offers several answers, one of which sees the “Machasit Ha’shekel” as symbolic of one “half” of our lives.  Our lives are divided into two areas – the physical and spiritual.  We need to care for our physical and material needs, by working to support ourselves and our families, and by eating, sleeping, bathing, seeking medical attention when necessary, and doing everything else needed to maintain our health and strength.  

The other “half” of our lives is the spiritual dimension, the purpose for which we have been brought into this world – studying Torah and performing Mitzvot.  Rabbenu Bahya writes that we must ensure to live a balanced life, responsibly caring for all our physical needs, but without overindulging such that we neglect our spiritual obligations.  

Moreover, he adds, we need to carefully consider all our actions in the physical areas of life, so that they are all done appropriately and for the right reasons.  Inside the synagogue or Bet Midrash, as we focus our attention on learning and prayer, it is relatively easy to stay on course, to do what we are supposed to do.  But once we leave the synagogue or study hall, and we venture out into the world, we run the risk of being misled and lured.  As we work to support ourselves, and as we enjoy food, drink and recreation, we need to tread very carefully, and ensure that we conduct ourselves appropriately, following the laws and values of the Torah, and with the intention of serving Hashem. 

Donating a half-shekel to the Bet Ha’mikdash, Rabbenu Bahya explains, to teach us that even the mundane “half” of our lives must be directed toward Kedusha (sanctity).  Although we are allowed – and in fact required! – to work hard to earn a livelihood, and to responsibly care for our physical wellbeing, these activities must be done for the sake of Kedusha, for the purpose of serving Hashem, and in a manner which is consistent with the lofty goal of Kedusha.