B"H
Friday, Adar1- 28, 5784 / March 8, 2024
This Shabbat, being before Rosh Chodesh Adar 2, besides reading the regular weekly Torah portion, Vayakhel, we will also read from a second Torah, Parshat Shekalim. It is the first of four special Torah readings that occur between now and Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Because of this special Torah reading, this Shabbat is also called, Shabbat Shekalim.
In the first Torah we read Parshat Vayakhel, about the contributions which the people brought towards the construction of the Tabernacle (Mishkan).
In the second Torah we read Parshat Shekalim which begins, "And G-d spoke to Moshe saying, 'When you want to count the sum of the Children of Israel according to their numbers, every man shall give a ransom for his soul to G-d. THIS they shall give - a half shekel... The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than a half shekel."
According to Halacha (Jewish law), we are forbidden to be counted directly. Therefore, G-d commanded that every Jewish man, between the ages of twenty and sixty, give a half shekel. By counting the half Shekalim, Moshe knew the exact amount of the people.
The portion of the Half Shekel is read each year on the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Adar. In a leap year, like this year, it is read before Rosh Chodesh of the second Adar. During the time of the Holy Temple, beginning Rosh Chodesh Adar Jews were reminded to contribute to the fund which sponsored the public sacrifices in the Temple. Although we don't have the Holy Temple (Beth Hamikdash), we still read this portion to remind us of the days of the Temple. This also affirms our belief in the coming of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple.
According to our sages, when G-d said, “THIS they shall give,” G-d showed Moshe a "coin of fire" and told him, "This they shall give."
Q. Why did G-d show Moshe a coin of fire? Why did G-d command to give only a half shekel?
A. This teaches us that in addition to performing the act of giving charity, one must know, how to give charity. Thus, G-d illustrated to Moshe the half shekel in the form of fire, to teach them that one must give charity with "fire" -- wholeheartedly with passion and enthusiasm.
The reason G-d commanded each one to give a "half" Shekel is to teach us that a Jew by himself is only "half." Only when we connect with another person, who gives the other half shekel, are we complete. Thus, Parshat Shekalim and the idea of the "half" shekel teaches us the concept of unity and Ahavat Yisroel – Love your fellow as yourself.
The two days Rosh Chodesh Adar 2 will begin Shabbat night through Sunday & Monday.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 5:33 / Shabbat ends: 6:37
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.