On the First of Adar We Announce About the Shekels: Parshat Shekalim - Reasons for the Commandment and Its Laws

'Parshat Shekalim' is the portion read every year on the Shabbat closest to the month of Adar or on Shabbat Rosh Chodesh itself.

1. Parshat Shekalim is the first of the four special portions that are read, as we learned in the Mishnah: "When Rosh Chodesh Adar falls on Shabbat - we read Parshat Shekalim; if it falls during the week, we read it on the preceding Shabbat and skip the next one; on the second Shabbat we read Zachor; on the third, the Red Heifer; on the fourth, 'This month shall be for you'; and on the fifth, we return to the regular order."

2. The main purpose of reading Parshat Shekalim is that when the Temple was standing, every Israelite was obligated to give 'half a shekel' each year to the chamber treasury, in order to purchase communal offerings, daily and additional sacrifices, meal offerings and libations, and other items. Since the first of Nissan is the New Year for shekel contributions, the Sages determined that by Nissan they already needed to offer from the new contribution. Therefore, they would announce it on the first of Adar, so people would bring their shekels. As we learned in the Mishnah, Tractate Shekalim, Chapter 1: "On the first of Adar, announcements are made concerning the shekels." This means they would announce and inform that the day was approaching when they needed to offer sacrifices from the new contribution, and the contribution needed to be prepared. This reading was instituted by the Sages so that the Torah portion of 'Parshat Shekalim' would be read, because on this day all the people gathered in synagogues and study halls, hearing the portion about the 'half-shekel' contribution, and would be inspired to promptly fulfill this positive commandment.

3. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 105) wrote: "Now, in our sins, when we have no Temple and no shekels, all of Israel has adopted the practice of remembering this by reading this portion in the synagogue every year." Additional reasons were given for why Parshat Shekalim is read specifically on Shabbat, the main one being that on Shabbat people are at home, and everyone gathers in synagogues and can hear the Torah reading, whereas on weekdays fewer people are present in synagogues.

4. From a Hasidic perspective, the Netivot Shalom of Slonim wrote about the connection between reading the four portions specifically on Shabbat, explaining that through reading the portion, it's as if we are actually fulfilling the part of the commandment related to the soul. This level, where speech is considered like action, is especially manifested on the holy Shabbat, as the verse states, "to perform the Shabbat," even though no actual action is learned from it besides remembering the Shabbat verbally through Kiddush. This elevates speech to the level of action. Similarly, with this commandment that we unfortunately cannot physically perform, through speaking about it, the Torah considers it as if we have fulfilled it.

Rabbi Shai Amar is a rabbi in Hidabroot's Halacha department

Questions for the rabbi: 054-8448909

Fulfill the ancient custom - and save lives! Both new babies who will brighten the world - and protection for your loved ones from bloodthirsty terrorists!

Click here and receive a life-saving coin>>