|
The JLE offers
Ongoing
classes
Special
classes
Home
hospitality
One-on-one
learning
Support group
Kindness
committee
Explanatory
services
Holiday programs
Web site
JLE e-news
Israel trip
Be a part of it
|
 Torah Thoughts
Shabbat Shekalim
This Shabbat has a
special designation- “the Sabbath of the Shekels.” (This is unrelated to the
modern Israeli currency!) It is the first of a series of four Sabbaths that
have additional Torah readings. A special Maftir portion is read
following the weekly Torah portion.
Maftir
(Exodus 30:11-16) In the
time of the Sanctuary, every Jew had to give an annual donation of half a
shekel for the communal sacrifices. Even the poorest Jew was obligated to
borrow money to contribute, and the wealthiest could not give more than half
a shekel. Thus, every Jew was an equal partner in the national service of
G-d. It had to be a half shekel and not a whole one to demonstrate
that no Jew can exist alone, but that each is an essential part of a greater
whole.
The half shekel also
atones for the sin of the golden calf.
All the money collected
for this purpose had to be received by the month of Nissan. Therefore
announcements were made at the beginning of the preceding month, Adar, to
remind the people to give their contributions. For this reason we read the
portion of Shekalim on the Sabbath immediately preceding Adar or on the first
of Adar if it is a Sabbath.
Although the Temple is currently not
standing, we remain connected to the mitzvot related to it, and in a measure,
fulfill our obligation merely by reading about it. We maintain our constant
yearning to fulfill it completely very soon with the rebuilding of the Temple.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Baruch Price
Technical
Note: Page is suitable to print.
|
