Post date: Feb 12, 2021 6:9:32 AM
Chodesh Tov!
Tonight begins Rosh Chodesh Adar. Tomorrow night, with the onset of Shabbos, begins the joyous month of Adar. We are only two weeks from Purim!
A lot has happened since I last shared Vorts with you on Shushan Purim. I think everyone would agree that since then, we spent much time feeling like we were dealing with a “V’nahafoch Hu” like we’d never imagined. But the truth is that this past year played out the way it did for reasons we may never understand, and NOW is the time when we want Hashem to deliver a real V’nahafoch Hu and turn the current situation upside down in order to correct the situation.
Like I said, we are only two weeks from Purim. But let’s not wait until Purim before we begin davening to Hashem to ask for a V’nahafoch Hu. If we’re not doing so already, let’s start right now. And, hopefully, in the merit of spending a little more time daily learning Torah, we can help bring an end to the current situation. And the learning doesn’t have to be a monumental chunk of time, or a difficult text of biblical proportions (sorry, that just popped in my head and I couldn’t resist--I guess the Adar spirit has gotten to me already). Hey, let’s spend some time involved in ideas related to Purim and this season. We’ll learn some Torah, and hopefully enjoy some new insights along the way.
I wish everyone a happy Rosh Chodesh, a good Shabbos, and a most joyous Adar! What are we waiting for? Let’s dive right in!
Josh
Posted 2/12/21
[Purim Vorts] Two Vorts about the Machatzis HaShekel
The message of the Machatzis HaShekel
This Shabbos we will have the fairly unusual occasion to read from three Sifrei Torah. First, for Parshas Mishpatim. Then we’ll read from another Sefer because it is Rosh Chodesh. Finally, we’ll read Parshas Shekalim from a third Sefer. Parshas Shekalim is timed to be read right before or on Rosh Chodesh Adar because that was the beginning of the annual season for donating a half Shekel to the Beis HaMikdash in order to pay for various communal needs, like communal Korbanos and upkeep of the Beis HaMikdash.
But with Parshas Shekalim being read in such close proximity to Purim, there must be a connection beyond pure coincidental timing. (Don’t forget, “coincidence” is just a simple way of expressing Hashgacha Pratis [Divine Intervention/Oversight]. This itself is a big theme with Purim.) So, what’s the message of the Machatzis HaShekel, and what’s the connection to Purim?
In one word, the message is “Achdus” (unity). All of Klal Yisroel is united in this Mitzvah. No one gives more or less than anyone else. There’s no competition--no outdoing each other. Everyone gives exactly the same amount--a half Shekel. And look at that last point. What do we give? We don’t give one of the standard piece of currency. We give a HALF Shekel, not a whole Shekel.
Giving a half Shekel reflects the idea that the giver is not a self-contained entity, but rather part of something greater than himself. This is the meaning of the Gemara’s statement that our Machatzis HaShekel was the antidote for Haman’s 10,000 talents of silver.
The theme of Achdus of this Mitzvah is what protected Klal Yisroel from Haman’s decree.
[Purim: Removing the Mask, p. 15]
Posted 2/12/21
[Purim Vorts] Two Vorts about the Machatzis HaShekel
How does the Machatzis HaShekel bring about Achdus? (Another answer)
As we mentioned earlier, the proceeds of the annual donations of the Machatzis HaShekel were used to purchase communal needs for the Beis HaMikdash (and the Mishkan), like the communal Korbanos. This was true every year except for the first year that it was collected. That first year, the Machatzis HaShekel donations were melted down and formed into the sockets that the beams of the Mishkan were inserted into. The donations of Klal Yisroel literally supported the Mishkan--they held the Mishkan together, demonstrating a unification in the most physical and material way.
The Mishkan was built so that Klal Yisroel could feel closer to Hashem. They needed a way to express their connection to Hashem. The word “Korban” (typically translated as sacrifice) is related to the word “Karov” meaning near. A Korban is one avenue a person can take in an effort to become closer to Hashem. And the place to do so was in the Mishkan (and later in the Beis HaMikdash).
The unified donations of Klal Yisroel’s Machatzis HaShekel were a critical function in building the Mishkan, and in the upkeep and daily communal operations of the Beis HaMikdash.
[Purim: Removing the Mask, p. 23]
Posted 2/12/21