Uncovering Ancient Treasures: The Story Behind the Temple Weight Found on the Temple Mount
Hidden beneath the soil of the Temple Mount are treasures and remnants from the ancient Temple services. Years ago, a significant find—a small, round 'beka' weight inscribed with Hebrew letters—excited archaeologists.
- יהוסף יעבץ
- פורסם כ"ד אדר א' התשפ"ד
(Illustration photo: shutterstock) #VALUE!
The sockets of the Tabernacle were constructed with contributions from the Israelites, each donating a half-shekel. What was the measurement of this half-shekel of gold? The Torah specifies it as "beka per person, half a shekel per the shekel of the sanctuary for each enrolled person."
So, what exactly is a beka?
A beka is a unit of weight. The half-shekel was not a coin of "half a shekel," as such coins did not exist at the time. It referred to gold, weighed to half the weight of a full measure. Beka = half.
How was a beka measured? Special weights were used, matching the designated weight, against which gold was balanced on scales to determine the beka, or half-shekel weight.
The soil of the Temple Mount conceals numerous treasures, relics from ancient Temple rituals. The Muslim Waqf excavated an area there, removing truckloads of earth. This sacred soil has been slowly sifted through by volunteers over the years, revealing intriguing finds.
A few years back, amidst great excitement, a beka weight was unearthed—a small, round stone marked with the Hebrew letters spelling out 'beka.'
The Israelites consistently donated the half-shekel for many years, throughout the existence of the Temple. This weight presumably served to measure the half-shekel currency.
The estimated location where the weight was found corresponds to the entrance area of the Temple Mount, an area where historical sources indicate tables were set up for currency exchanges. Here, people could obtain the precise coins needed for vows, dedications, values, and the half-shekel.
The stone weighs 5.8 grams, likely considered the half-shekel measure. Today, gold of such weight would be valued at approximately 500 shekels.
May we soon, with Hashem's help, merit the rebuilding of the Temple and the renewal of the mitzvah of the half-shekel donation.
Have you heard about the historic Hidabrut coin? Made from pure 999 silver, it weighs as the original half-shekel—with an imprint from Temple times!
For more details about this life-saving coin – Click here>>
