Giving the half-shekel

Hi,

On the Fast of Esther, we customarily contribute to tzedakah three coins which are each minted as "half" coins, such as half-dollars in lands where those are available. This contribution is meant to commemorate the half-shekel contributions solicited from men over the age of 20 in Parshas Ki Tisa, as well as the subsequent annual half-shekel donation by adult men toward the coming year's communal korbanos. Women could choose to give that annual donation, but were not obligated to do so.

Preferably, the coins we use should each contain at least 9.6 grams, or .31 troy ounces, of pure silver. One who does not possess such "half" coins may give three silver coins which are minted as "whole" coins instead, intending to contribute half of their value as the formal half-shekel contribution. One who lacks silver may donate currency of equal value.

The custom is generally understood to include men from the age of 13, and in many places women are accustomed to give the half-shekel as well. Our practice is also to give on behalf of the children in our household, and some even give on behalf of a fetus.

(Mordechai Megilah 777; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 694:1; Magen Avraham 694:3; Kaf haChaim Orach Chaim 674:19-28; Mishneh Berurah 694:5; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 694:8; Piskei Teshuvos 694:4)

Have a great day,

Mordechai

The Half-Shekel

Hi,

"[Haman promised Achashverosh, in exchange for exterminating the Jews:] 'If it is good with the king, I will pay ten thousand silver coins into the king's coffers.'

"Reish Lakish commented: It was revealed and known before the Creator of the Universe that Haman would give shekalim [coins] against the Jews. Therefore, Gd commanded that we precede his shekalim with our own contribution of shekalim. This is why it is taught in a mishnah: On the first day of Adar announcements are made calling people to contribute their shekalim."

(Talmud, Megilah 13b)


"Some have ruled that one should donate a coin which is half the standard unit of currency, to charity, as a memorial to the half-shekel which was given [in the time of the Temple] in the month of Adar.

"Since the word 'donation' is written three times in that section of the Torah which describes this Mitzvah, one should give three of these coins. One should give it on the eve of Purim, before the minchah prayer, and that is the custom in these lands."

(Rama to Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 694:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Machatzit haShekel - the Half Shekel

Hi,

On Taanit Esther, we customarily contribute to tzedakah three coins which are each minted as "half" coins, such as half-dollars in lands where those are available. This contribution is meant to commemorate the half-shekel contributions solicited from men over the age of 20 in Parshat Ki Tisa, as well as the subsequent annual half-shekel donation by adult men toward the coming year's communal korbanot. Women could give that annual donation, but were not obligated to do so.

Preferably, the coins we use should contain at least 9.6 grams of pure silver. One who does not possess "half" coins may give three coins which are minted as 'whole' coins instead, intending to contribute half of their value as the formal half-shekel contribution. One who lacks silver may donate currency of equal value.

The custom is generally understood to include men from the age of 13, and in many places women are accustomed to give the half-shekel as well. Our practice is also to give on behalf of the children in our household, and some even give on behalf of a fetus.

(Mordechai Megilah 777; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 694:1; Magen Avraham 694:3; Kaf haChaim Orach Chaim 674:19-28; Mishneh Berurah 694:5; Aruch haShulchan Orach Chaim 694:8; Piskei Teshuvot 694:4)

Have a great day,
Mordechai