B"H
Monday, Adar1- 17, 5784 / February 26, 2024
In this week's Parsha, Ki Tisa, G-d commands Moshe to count the people of Israel. However, instead of directly counting them, G-d tells Moshe that, "Each man should contribute a half-Shekel, an atonement for his soul…” By counting the half-Shkalim, Moshe knew their exact number.
G-d used the expression, "Zeh Yitnu", "This they shall give". Because the Torah uses the expression “Zeh” – “This,”our sages say, “G-d showed Moshe a "coin of fire" and told him, "This they shall give".
The half-Shkalim coins were used to make sockets as a foundation to support the walls of the Mishkan.
Q."What is the significance of the "half" shekel? Why didn't G-d command them to give a "full" Shekel? Also, what is the meaning of G-d showing Moshe a "coin of fire" and saying, "this they shall give?"
A. There are two lessons here. In the Parsha we read about the sin of the Golden Calf. The purpose of giving the "Half-Shekel" was, as the Torah says, “An atonement for his soul,” that G-d forgive the Jewish people for the sin of the Golden Calf.
The first lesson is: To atone for this great sin, it was important that Jews stand united. Thus the "half" shekel was a sign of unity, for it shows that each Jew on his own is only “a half.” Only through association and unity with another Jew can they be complete.
The second lesson is: By showing Moshe a "coin of fire" G-d teaches us that, when giving charity one must do it with feeling, warmth, and compassion.
Q. The Parsha also tells us that G-d chose Betzalel, of the tribe of Judah (Yehudah) and Ohaliav from the tribe of Dan to be in charge of the work of the Mishkan. Why did G-d choose these two tribes?
A. Here, too, the Torah emphasizes the concept of unity. The tribe of Judah was considered the greatest of the tribes. During their travels in the desert, the tribe of Judah led the way. The tribe of Dan, on the other hand, journeyed last. The Torah teaches us that in order to build a House for G-d there must be unity between the first tribe of Judah, the last tribe of Dan and every tribe (and Jew) in between.
Rabbi Abish of Frankfort would give almost everything he had for Tzedakah to support the needy. He was asked why he didn't follow the recommendation of the sages not to give away more than one fifth (20%) of one's income? He would answer: "Our sages tell us that, 'Tzedakah (charity) saves from death'. Now, according to Jewish law, in matters of life and death one may transgress almost all Torah prohibitions (except idolatry, immorality, and murder).”
“Being that charity is a matter of life and death, I am allowed to transgress this rabbinical decree, and give more than a fifth!”
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.