Thought of the Week: Vayakheil - 5776

SHEKALIM-WE ARE ONLY HALF

The Torah portion regarding the Mitzvah of the half-shekel, read on the Shabbat before the month of Adar, is known as Parshat Shekalim.  The section we read relates to the half-shekel collected for the construction of the Tabernacle.  However, it also refers to the annual collection of funds for the operating expenses of the Beit Hamikdash.

For me, when I hear these verses of the Torah read, I have a sense that we as a community and a nation are taking our first steps on a journey towards Purim and Pesach.  Parshat Shekalim commences our trek of the salvation of Purim and our rebirth of Pesach.  However, no Jewish festival is complete without thinking about people that are in need.  During the months of Adar and Nissan we keep our eyes open for the other and increase our giving.

In addition, by reading about giving a half, we are reminded that we as individuals are not complete.  What we need is to connect to one another, as done during the Chagim, and to connect to the Giver of Life.

May we all merit to have an uplifting season of redemption, and merit to see peace and the final redemption in our days.

Shabbat Shalom