The Half Shekel By Menachem Mendelson In the olden days during
the time of the holy Temple in Jerusalem, and even before the
first Temple was built and the holy Ark had its temporary
resting places, a yearly 'appeal' was made for money for the
treasury of the Temple. The appeal began on the first day of the
Jewish month of Adar. This was not just another appeal for money
as we know what an appeal is today, but rather it was a special
obligation and even a mitzvah that was obligatory. There is a
mitzvah for each adult male (meaning from the age of 13) to give
one half-shekel to the Temple. The Torah (Exodus 30:13-15)
commanded : "This they shall give a half shekel for the shekel
of the sanctuary from twenty years old and above shall give an
offering to G-d. The rich shall not give more and the poor shall
not give less that half of a shekel to make an atonement for
your souls." Interestingly enough, each person had to give
exactly one half shekel. The rich could not give more and the
poor could not give less. T