Parshas Mishpatim (Shekalim) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
זה יתנו כל העבר על הפקדים מחצית השקל בשקל הקדש עשרים גרה השקל ... (שייך לפרשת שקלים ל-יג)
Rashi in Parshas Ki Sisa on this posuk cites Chazal who explain the word "זה" in this context to mean, not merely a conceptual shekel, but a real physical picture of one. Because Moshe Rabbeinu was somewhat unsure as to what this coin was, Hashem showed him a מטבע של אש. Why enlighten Moshe with a fiery coin and not an actual metal coin?
The Chiddushei HaRim zt”l says that the word shekel shares the same three letters as the Aramaic word shokal - which means to take. Meaning, he says, this donation of the half-shekel was meant to inspire each yid to take control and establish oneself to be firmly rooted in avodas Hashem. Moshe was perplexed as to how such a seemingly small donation can effect such profound spiritual stimuli. Hashem then showed him a מטבע made out of fire. There is a more profound message here. A baal darshan in an Ashkenazic kehilla once expounded on this thought, and explained that with hislahavus - a burning passion - one can be catapulted to extraordinary spiritual heights. Hence, even a nominal monetary donation, if given with “hartz” and fervency will favorably inspire the donor. When the Kotzker Rebbe zt”l heard this interpretation, he was astonished that a Litvishe rabbinic figure could say such a beautiful drash. He said that since this particular kehilla was meticulous in the mitzvah of hachnosas orchim, they were zoche to reveal this pshat.
Chazal say that we read Parshas Shekalim before Adar. How appropriate it is that after Klal Yisroel said the immortal words, “Naaseh V’Nishma” the week after we were “forced” to be mekabel the Torah, we dedicate ourselves with a fire and a “bren.” Through that zealousness, Klal Yisroel “re-accepted” the Torah on Purim with simcha and “hislahavus.”
As the ארבע פרשיות begin this week, let us work to connect to their special השפעות!