Shabbat Shekalim- The Mundane “Half” of Our Lives

The Shabbat before Rosh Hodesh Adar is called “Shabbat Shekalim,” because on this Shabbat, after the normal Torah reading, we read the section from the Torah (Shemot 30:11-16) that introduces the Misva of “Mahasit Ha’shekel” – the annual half-shekel tax. Each year, starting on Rosh Hodesh Adar, the officials in charge of the Bet Ha’mikdash would begin collecting this tax from the people, because one month later, on Rosh Hodesh Nissan, the public sacrifices should be paid for from new funds. We commemorate the Misva of “Mahasit Ha’shekel” by reading this section from the Torah on the Shabbat preceding Rosh Hodesh Adar. We must ask, what is so significant about this Misva that we make a special commemoration in the synagogue? There are many Misvot which applied in the Bet Ha’mikdash which do not receive this kind of public commemoration. We might assume that if the Sages instituted a special Shabbat to remind us of the “Mahasit Ha’shekel,” there must be some aspect of this Misva which bears relevance to us even now, in the absence of the Bet Ha’mikdash. The explanation, perhaps, emerges from the comments of Rabbenu Bahya (Spain, 1255-1340), in his commentary to the verses presenting the Misva of “Mahasit Ha’shekel.” He addresses there the question discussed by many commentators as to why the Torah required paying only a half-shekel, rather than a whole shekel. Once the Torah was establishing a mandatory annual tax, why didn’t it require paying a whole unit of currency? Rabbenu Bahya offers several answers, one of which sees the “Mahasit Ha’shekel” as symbolic of one “half” of our lives. Our lives are divided into two areas – the physical and spiritual. We need to care for our physical and material needs, by working to support ourselves and our families, and by eating, sleeping, bathing, seeking medical attention when necessary, and doing everything else needed to maintain our health and strength. The other “half” of our lives is the spiritual dimension, the purpose for which we have been brought into this world – studying Torah and performing Misvot. Rabbenu Bahya writes that we must ensure to live a balanced life, responsibly caring for all our physical needs, but without overindulging such that we neglect our spiritual obligations. Moreover, Rabbenu Bahya adds, we need to carefully consider all our actions in the physical areas of life, so that they are all done appropriately and for the right reasons. Inside the synagogue or Bet Midrash, as we focus our attention on learning and prayer, it is relatively easy to stay on course, to do what we are supposed to do. But once we leave the synagogue or study hall, and we venture out into the world, we run the risk of being misled and lured. As we work to support ourselves, and as we enjoy food, drink and recreation, we need to tread very carefully, and ensure that we conduct ourselves appropriately, following the laws and values of the Torah, and with the intention of serving Hashem. Our mindset must be that we work to earn a living so we can raise happy, healthy children and provide them with a Torah education, and that we eat, and sleep and care for our health so that we have the ability to serve Hashem to the best of our ability. Rabbenu Bahya writes that the root of the word “Shekel” – “Sh.K.L.” – means “weigh,” or “consider.” The phrase “Shikul Ha’da’at,” for example, denotes the process of arriving at a well-informed, reasoned decision, carefully and sensibly considering the options and acting in a wise, calculated manner. The “Mahasit Ha’shekel” donation teaches us of the importance of “Shikul Ha’da’at” in the “half” of our lives spent on physical pursuits. We cannot feel free to do as we please once we leave the synagogue or Bet Midrash. To the contrary, outside these sacred halls we require extra care to ensure that we pursue a livelihood and tend to our physical needs in the appropriate way and with the proper mindset, for the purpose of serving the Almighty. Specifically in the mundane “half” of our lives, we require a heightened level of “Shikul Ha’da’at,” special care and attention to make the right decisions and conduct ourselves the right way. The Torah commands donating a half-shekel to the Bet Ha’mikdash, Rabbenu Bahya explains, to teach us that even the mundane “half” of our lives must be directed toward Kedusha (sanctity). Although we are allowed – and in fact required! – to work hard to earn a livelihood, and to responsibly care for our physical wellbeing, these activities must be done for the sake of Kedusha, for the purpose of serving Hashem, and in a manner which is consistent with the lofty goal of Kedusha. This perhaps explains why a special Shabbat is observed to commemorate the “Mahasit Ha’shekel.” The message underlying this Misva extends beyond the practical function of providing funds for the Bet Ha’mikdash. This is a concept that must inform our decisions each and every day of our lives, under all circumstances. We are to donate the mundane “half” of our lives to Hashem by carefully considering all our actions, ensuring to live in strict accordance with the Torah’s laws, and to serve Hashem through everything that we do throughout the day.