A Special Shabbat
This Shabbat is one of several “special” Shabbatot throughout the year. That is, in addition to the regular Torah portion, an additional section of the Torah is read. Each special Shabbat has a name, and a fixed time when it is read.
Shabbat Shekalim is the name of this coming Shabbat, after the verses in Exodus that command that every adult donate half of a shekel toward the up-keep of the mishkan, the portable sanctuary. The most interesting of these few verses is the one that decrees that every person must give precisely half of a shekel. The Torah specifically states that, in the case of this special mitzvah, the rich must give no more than their half a shekel and the poor must give no less. Everyone must given the same small amount; a mandatory gift that is small and affordable for one and all.
Of course, there are other times when the rich should give according to their ability to pay, and poor should offer and perfunctory amount. But on Shabbat Shekalim, every member of the community offers the exact same gift—and not a soul is exempt.
I thought of this today when I received an urgent appeal from the American Jewish Committee (AJC), asking for donations to help our Israeli sisters and brothers in the Israeli town of Sderot. The AJC is seeking our support to assist the beleaguered residents of southern Israel. These people suffer almost daily barrages of rocket and mortar attacks from Hamas in nearby Gaza. Even when the physical danger passes, the psychological damage remains, especially for young people.
On this Shabbat Shekalim, let us join with either AJC or any other group that is working for Israelis to know that friends of Israel stand with them, now more than ever. We want to be part of the building—and rebuilding—process.
As the New York Times has recently pointed out, Hamas wants to do to southern Israel what Hezbollah; the Lebanon-based terror group did to northern Israel two years ago. We must not be bystanders.
There are many other worthy channels through which to donate. All I ask is that you do so, whatever the amount. If you choose to give via AJC, you can rest assured that the Committee absorbs all administrative costs, so your entire contribution will go to those in need.
Click here to donate now.
To conclude on a happier note, Shabbat Shekalim always heralds the Purim season. In Israel---even in Sderot---Jews are preparing for the Purim holiday—planning Purim parties, preparing clever costumes, putting together gift baskets for friends and contributions to help the poor.
Here at Beth Or, we will be celebrating Purim on Sunday morning, March 23 at an all-ages, community wide celebration from 10 am-12:30 pm. There will be stories, games, shpils, entertainment, music and costume contests. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume. Lunch is pot-luck; those details will follow. But do save the date. I look forward to seeing you there!
