Shabbat Forshpeis
A Taste of Torah in Honor of Shabbat
SHABBAT SHEKALIM
TSEDAKAH AS AN EDUCATIONAL ANCHOR
FEBRUARY 28- MARCH 1, 2003/ 27 ADAR I 5763
This Shabbat we read the first
of four special portions from the Torah- this one is called Parshat Shekalim. In this section we recall that a month before the official beginning of the Jewish calendar year (Nissan), money was collected from every Jew for the purchase of the communal sacrifices brought in the Temple (terumat ha-lishkah). This mitzvah is therefore of special importance as it defines some of the characteristics of giving tzedakah (charity). These characteristics ought be considered in contemporary times as a model to be emulated.
What stands out most in this portion is that everyone, without exception, was expected to give. Charity was not left to the domain of a select few. All people were required to become part of the society by giving. This teaches us that through giving we ourselves make a statement to ourselves and those around us that we are much more than just ourselves; we are part of a community.
Moreover, each donor gave an equal amount. Already in Biblical times there was an understanding of the pitfalls of charity. Too often, the wealthy are given privileged status as they give the most. To this the Torah says-no. For the purchase of the communal offerings, so central to the spiritual message of the Temple, all gave the same amount. Through the equal giving we all have the same access to the palace of the Divine.
And of course, the Torah insists that everyone gives one half a shekel. Why a half and not a whole? Here the Torah teaches that we are not whole within ourselves. In our very essence, each of us is half. Each of us has holes that need to be filled. We can only become whole and we can only expect to succeed in our endeavors with the help of the other.
It should also be noted that monies raised during the past year could not be used for the current year's sacrifices. In other words, new money had to be solicited. What I gave last year doesn't count for this year. Never can I rest thinking that I am finished with my commitment, every year I have to remember that commitment and give again.
There is one other lesson that needs to be stressed. Parashat Shekalim primarily deals with money raised to maintain the existing religious service of the Temple. In that sense, money was raised for operating costs and not directed to a capital campaign. It is often the case that people are prepared to give to build structures-somehow it's more alluring to give to a project which has that kind of publicity. What Parashat Shekalim reminds us is that of even greater importance is to give to keep the Temple service ongoing. While the building and the structure is important, it is only as important as the service and spirit inside it. This reminds each of us also that, while not ignoring our bodies, it is the soul inside that gives our physical its real value.
Often, the most important ideas are the simple teachings. The Torah's message here seems simple, but it teaches profound truths. Giving tsedakah grounds us in some of the most important lessons of being a human being. May our giving continuously remind us of these lessons.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Avi Weiss
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