Embracing Joy and Unity: Lessons from Parashat Shekalim and the Mishkan

Chodesh Tov! May this new month bring joy, shared celebrations, and only good tidings to all.

In this month of Adar, our tradition teaches: “Mi shenichnas Adar marbin b’simcha”—when Adar enters, we increase in joy. Joy isn’t dependent on external events but flows from within. The same Hebrew letters in “b’simcha” (with joy) can also spell “b’mashaveh” (in your thoughts), teaching that joy is cultivated through positive thinking and how we choose to respond to life’s challenges. Even amid difficulties, it is within our power to nurture inner happiness, knowing that Hashem lovingly guides us.

I dedicate this message le’illui nishmat Rav Shlomo ben Rabbi Yitzchak, may the neshama of my dear husband have an aliyah.

On a joyful note, our family recently welcomed a new granddaughter in New York! May she bring much nachat and joy. May we all share only simchas.

The Meaning of Parashat Shekalim

This Shabbat is special—we take out three Sifrei Torah:

• One for the weekly Parasha

• One for Rosh Chodesh Adar

• One for Parashat Shekalim, recalling the mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel (half-shekel offering).

In the time of the Beit HaMikdash, during Adar, each Jew contributed a half-shekel to fund communal offerings. Though the Temple no longer stands, we read about this mitzvah as if fulfilling it ourselves, praying for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash.

Shekel a whole

Machatzit HaShekel: A Lesson in Unity

Why a half-shekel, not a whole? Moshe Rabbeinu asked Hashem this very question. Hashem explained: Each person is only a "half," becoming complete only when united with others. No individual can stand alone—we are strongest when connected.

The word “V’yitnu” (“they shall give”) equals 12 in gematria, symbolizing the unity of all 12 Tribes of Israel. When we give together, our collective merit brings us closer.

This lesson resonates today: Disunity weakens us, while unity fortifies us. Even Haman in the Purim story believed he could defeat us because we seemed divided. The mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel reminds us that shared giving and collective responsibility are the keys to our strength.

The Mishkan: Giving With the Heart

Just as the half-shekel teaches unity, the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) teaches the power of giving with love. The Torah says “V’natnu”— a palindrome, meaning giving comes full circle: what you give, you ultimately receive.

A moving story from Soviet Russia highlights this truth: A wealthy man whose fortune was confiscated by the state lamented that had he given more charity, his wealth would have been used for mitzvot—not lost to tyranny. This underscores that what we give with intent endures far beyond material wealth.

Moshe Rabbeinu also questioned the significance of the half-shekel until Hashem showed him a fiery coin. The message: Give even a little—but with fire, warmth, and passion.

The Purpose of the Mishkan

For the next several weeks, the Torah focuses on the construction of the Mishkan. Why such detail? The Ramban explains that it extended the Divine experience of Matan Torah, allowing the people to maintain a spiritual connection.

Rashi offers another view: The Mishkan served as a kapara (atonement) for the sin of the Golden Calf. Through heartfelt giving, the people demonstrated their teshuvah and devotion.

The Midrash beautifully compares this to a king whose daughter marries far away; he asks her to build a room for him in her new home. Hashem likewise desires a space within each of us: “V’asu li Mikdash v’shachanti b’tocham”—“Build for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell within you.” Not merely in a building, but in the hearts of His people.

The Mishkan, built with love and mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice), was never destroyed. Its boards remain buried on Har Moriah, destined to rise again when Mashiach comes.

Mesirut Nefesh: Yaakov’s Legacy

The Mishkan required 15 materials—mirroring the letters Yud-Hei, with which Hashem created the world. Dedicating these materials symbolizes dedicating all of creation to Divine service.

Yaakov Avinu exemplified mesirut nefesh. Before descending to Egypt, he brought saplings from Beersheba, knowing his descendants would later need wood for the Mishkan. These were the “Atzei Shittim Om’dim”—trees planted with foresight and faith, standing eternal because they were rooted in devotion.

Centuries later, Rabbi Meir similarly ensured the Torah would endure after Roman persecution. Through painstaking effort, he taught Torah in secret, preserving it for future generations. When we act with true devotion, our deeds become eternal.

The Altar: A Symbol of Unbreakable Faith

My late husband, z”l, taught a powerful lesson about the Mizbei’ach (altar). Though made of wood covered with copper, it miraculously withstood constant flames without being consumed—even in rain.

Hashem reassured Moshe: “As I showed you on the mountain”—just as Moshe stood unharmed amid Sinai’s fire, so too the altar would remain. The eternal fire symbolizes Am Yisrael’s resilience: though we face fiery trials, with faith and kavanah, we endure.

An Inspirational Story

In the final years of the Russian Tsars, a governor planned a public burning of Jewish books in a small town, often a prelude to pogroms. The town’s only tzadik, Rabbi Naftali, volunteered to intervene—despite speaking only Yiddish. His bravery saved many lives. This reminds us: one person’s courage and mesirut nefesh can protect an entire community.

Final Thoughts

This month of Adar invites us to embrace joy, unity, and giving. Even the smallest act, done with heart and devotion, has lasting impact. Let us enter Adar with renewed hope, deeper connection to each other, and unwavering faith in Hashem.