The Half-Shekel Tradition (Machatzit Hashekel)
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The tradition of the half-shekel (machatzit hashekel) is connected to the upcoming Shabbat Parashat Shekalim. This practice serves as a remembrance of when the children of Israel were counted in the Torah by each giving a mahatzit hashekel. It is also linked to the time when Haman offered 10,000 kikar kesef (silver talents) to King Achashverosh to buy the right to exterminate the Jewish people.
Who should give?
- Every (adult by halacha) Jew should participate in this mitzvah. This includes each person in the household.
- It is stated that you can even give for your declared and undeclared children.
When should it be given?
- The giving of the machatzit hashekel starts from Rosh Chodesh Adar and can be given until Purim.
- The speaker mentions that generally, in all synagogues and yeshivas, there is a collection box for this purpose, and yeshivas eagerly await this month.
- This Shabbat, Parashat Shekalim, serves as a reminder for people to give this contribution.
How much should be given?
- The actual value of 10 grams of pure silver (925 sterling), which is the historical measure, is around 18 to 20 shekels based on the current silver market.
- The speaker notes that they have a custom to ask for 26 shekels because they support many poor people. This amount is above the actual silver value.
- However, the speaker emphasizes that someone who cannot afford even 18 shekels should still give what they can, even if it's half a shekel or one shekel per person, because the obligation is exact.
- It is also mentioned that you can give a larger amount if you wish.
To whom should it be given?
- The collected money should be given to the poor (anvi'im).
- Specifically, it should be given to support Torah scholars (talmidei chachamim).
Significance of the Mitzvah:
- Giving the machatzit hashekel fulfills a mitzvah that completes a Jew's joy during Adar.
- It counters feelings of hopelessness by reminding individuals that they are only "half" and need to connect with others and with God.
- This act of giving tzedakah (charity) is seen as a way to bring shalom (peace), prevent loss, and bring life.
- The unity of the Jewish people is also symbolized, as each person gives "half" to come together as a whole.
- Giving tzedakah during this time is also considered a way to preemptively ward off negative decrees, mirroring how Haman gave money for his evil plot.
The Fast of Esther
Occurrence:
This year 5785 (2025) the Fast of Esther occurs on Thursday, the 13th of the Hebrew month of Adar, this corresponds to the 13th of March.
Purpose:
The Fast of Esther, also known as Taanit Esther, is observed in memory of Mordechai and Esther, who sacrificed their lives for the Jewish people. The fast is undertaken as a way to remember the miracles of Purim.
Living the Miracles:
One primary reason for the fast is to experience the miracles associated with Purim. By giving importance to this fast, similar to how the people of Israel did in the time of Esther, individuals hope to encounter the same miraculous interventions.
Weakening Negative Influences
Fasting is seen as a means to weaken one's Satan (evil inclination) and any evil decrees that might be directed against them for the coming year. It also serves as protection against negative occurrences before the anticipated redemption in the month of Nissan.
Preparing for Purim
The fast helps ensure that the festive meal of Purim is conducted properly and in the name of Hashem. By fasting, individuals create a genuine need for the meal, which also helps to weaken the yetzer hara (evil inclination) so that the joyous drinking on Purim does not lead to inappropriate behavior. Essentially, the fast acts as a preventative measure to guide behavior during the festivities.
Unity of the Jewish People:
The practice of giving half-shekel coins for charity during this time symbolizes the unity of the Jewish people, highlighting that strength comes from being united. The half-shekel is given from Rosh Chodesh Adar until Purim.
Who is Obligated to Fast?
Only individuals in good health are required to fast.
Pregnant Women:
• If feeling well during pregnancy, they should fast.
• From three months of pregnancy (after passing 90 days), they are not obligated to fast.
• If, from the 40th day onwards, a pregnant woman feels weak or encounters complications, she should not fast if it could lead to fatigue or health problems.
Children:
• Girls under 12 and boys under 13 are not required to fast.
• Even if they wish to fast, they are not obligated to fast for even an hour.
The Groom (Khatan):
The groom is an exception and is not required to fast on the Fast of Esther, especially if he recently got married (within two days, as given by an example). Generally, grooms are expected to fast on the four other prescribed fast days.
Elderly and Those with Health Issues:
Individuals with tension problems, eye issues, or diabetes should consult their medical professionals and rabbis. Typically, rabbis exempt them from fasting.
Making Up the Fast:
Someone who was obligated to fast but did not is required to make up the fast later.
Importance of Fasting with the Community (Tzibbur):
One should not refrain from what the community does. Fasting on this day carries significant power to weaken negative forces and decrees for the upcoming year. By emulating the fasting practices from the time of Esther, individuals can merit the same miracles.
Minimum Number for Torah Reading:
The Torah scroll is taken out only if at least six people are fasting. If fewer than six are fasting on a Monday or Thursday, the weekly Torah portion is read instead. This rule does not apply on Wednesday, the Fast of Esther.
Dressing Up in Costumes (Minhag Yisrael)
Custom in Israel:
It is a widespread custom in Israel to dress up in costumes on Purim.
Reasons for the Custom:
• G'd's Disguise: One reason is that G'd disguised Himself in the events of the Megillah of Esther. Esther, Mordechai, and even Haman are seen as masks through which the Creator acted.
• Our Masks: We also disguise ourselves as a reminder that the surface appearance of a fellow Jew might be a "mask." Just as Aman superficially judged the Jewish people, every Jew carries their own inner sanctity despite external appearances.
• Removing Negative Behavior: Dressing up and the idea of removing a mask symbolize the shedding of negative conduct.
• Joy: Costumes contribute greatly to the joy of Purim.
• Giving Joy: Beyond personal enjoyment, dressing up is also meant to bring joy to others.
Reading the Megillah Esther (Lailat Esther)
The Importance of Hearing Every Word:
It is crucial to hear every word of the Megillah. Missing a single word means the mitzvah of reading the Megillah has not been fulfilled.
Noise and Disruption:
Although making noise when Haman's name is mentioned is part of the custom, it should not prevent listeners from hearing the Megillah.
• The responsibility to ensure the Megillah is heard falls on the rabbi.
• Rav Touitou shares that he quietly taps his heel when Haman's name is mentioned to avoid disturbing others.
• During the reading, no unnecessary noise should be made; if noise occurs, it should cease when signaled by the rabbi.
Megillah Readings:
It is beneficial to have two Megillah readings so that:
• Men can listen while women stay with the children.
• Women can listen while the men watch the children.
Inner Reflection:
The Megillah has deep inner power, reflecting one's own life. By listening to and understanding it, one can rectify their own life.
Obligation of Reading:
The obligation to read the Megillah applies both on the eve and the day of Purim (gamm ve'gamm).
Not Saying Hallel
Reasons for Omitting Hallel on Purim: • The Megillah Esther itself is considered the Hallel, effectively serving the purpose of praise. • Hallel is traditionally recited when one transitions from being a servant of evil forces to serving G'd. In Persia, the Jewish people were respected and not enslaved, so a formal Hallel was not necessary. • Hallel is reserved for holidays that signify a clear redemption, like the Exodus from Egypt or the entry into the Land of Israel.
Alternative If No Megillah is Heard:
If someone is in a setting without a Megillah and cannot hear it, they should recite the entire Hallel without a blessing.
Elevated Nature of Purim
Prayer of Arvit:
The evening prayer (Arvit) on Purim is considered extremely elevated.
Contrasting Views:
While some, like the Maharal of Prague, argue that there is no inherent kedusha (holiness) in Purim due to its seemingly material focus (money, feasts), the Arizal states that Purim is the most elevated day of all.
Creating Holiness:
The holiness of Purim is not automatic; each person must create and invest holiness into the day. While G'd provides the potential, it is up to us to actualize it.
Avoiding Inappropriate Behavior:
Turning Purim into a day of inappropriate behavior is akin to elevating Haman and causing Mordechai to descend.
• Observing Purim with true kedusha involves communal meals, purposeful music, and Torah study.
• Even the Birkat Hamazon on Purim emphasizes this, using the phrase "midol" (from His greatness) rather than "magdil" (He makes great).
Mishloach Manot (Sending Gifts of Food)
Obligation:
One must send mishloach manot to at least one person, consisting of at least two different food items—things to eat or drink.
Priority of Mitzvah:
According to the Rambam, the most important mitzvah of Purim is matanot la'evyonim (gifts to the poor), even more than the festive meal or mishloach manot. However, mishloach manot is still highly significant.
Purpose:
Mishloach manot serves to bring hearts closer together:
• It is better to deliver them personally to reveal the identity of the giver.
• If there is conflict with someone, sending mishloach manot can serve as an initiative for reconciliation.
• In cases without conflict, sending gifts to those with whom one desires a closer relationship is encouraged.
Debate on Value:
There is discussion on whether one should give according to their own means or adjust the gift value based on the recipient’s status.
• Ideally, a wealthy person should give more substantial gifts to significant individuals.
Food Items Included:
Any food item, including homemade items or canned goods, is acceptable as long as the recipient will appreciate it.
Delivery:
• It is preferable to send mishloach manot via a messenger (shalich), though self-delivery is best.
• If the recipient does not know who sent the gift, the mitzvah is not fulfilled and must be repeated.
Additional Considerations:
• If a gift is sent to someone with whom there is conflict and they refuse it yet offer forgiveness, the sender has fulfilled the mitzvah and should then give the gift to someone else.
• Mishloach manot must be given during the daytime; a gift arriving after nightfall does not fulfill the mitzvah.
• For reasons of propriety (yichud), a man should send to men and a woman to women—though a wife may act as a messenger for her husband in all Purim mitzvot except sending mishloach manot to another woman, which she should do herself.
Matanot La'evyonim (Gifts to the Poor)
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Definition:
Matanot la'evyonim are gifts given to the needy.
• An “evyon” is someone who has everything they need except the funds to complete the month.
• The term "ani" refers to someone lacking basic necessities, while "dal" denotes extreme poverty.
• The focus of the mitzvah is on the "evyon."
Obligation:
One must give gifts to at least two poor people, sufficient for them to purchase at least one meal.
• In Israel, this might equivalently be considered a minimum amount (five shekels is mentioned as a very low minimum, with the understanding that more is preferable).
Important:
Bringing joy to the poor is the most important mitzvah of Purim.
• The presence of a poor person is associated with the nearness of the Shechinah (Divine Presence).
• It is praiseworthy to give generously.
• Many collect funds over the year specifically so they can give generously on Purim.
• Even women are obligated to give matanot la'evyonim.
• A small amount, such as five shekels, is discussed as a minimum sufficient for a simple snack.
• Ideally, older children supported by their parents should earn the money for their own gifts by doing small chores.
• It is best to give anonymously to minimize embarrassment, though one must reveal oneself when sending mishloach manot.
While the primary time for giving Matanot La'evyonim is on Purim itself, it is also permissible and even preferable to start giving these gifts from the beginning of the month of Adar and continue until Purim
The Festive Meal (Seudah)
Time of Observance:
The festive meal should be held during the daytime on Purim.
• The meal following the Megillah reading at night does not fulfill the obligation of the daytime festive meal.
Importance:
It is one of the primary mitzvot of Purim.
Purim and Passover (Pesach)
Contrast and Connection:
Despite extreme differences, Purim and Passover are connected:
• Purim’s mitzvot occur during the day.
• The Passover Seder takes place at night, constituting a full day of observance.
• The joy from Purim can influence and enhance the experience of the Passover Seder, effectively preparing one for Pesach.
Timing of Prayers on Purim
Morning Prayer (Shacharit):
• It is imperative to pray at its proper time (netz hachamah, sunrise) on Purim.
• After this prayer, one may sleep, but the prayer must be held at netz to capture the purity of the day, reminiscent of Adam Harishon before the sin.
• For those who were out late or tired due to work, a second minyan at around 8:00 AM is common.
• Tefillin and tallit are worn during the morning prayer, along with the recitation of "Al Hanissim."
Post-Prayer Torah Study:
After the prayer and the Megillah reading, it is commendable to engage in a brief period of Torah study, as it is considered highly elevated on Purim.
Afternoon Prayer (Mincha Gedolah):
Recited around 12:30 PM, earlier than usual, to ensure proper observance before potential inebriation later in the day, which may impair prayer.
• The festive meal (mishteh) usually follows Mincha.
Recounting Miracles
Custom During the Festive Meal:
At the festive meal, Rav Touitou customarily asks someone to share a miracle they have personally experienced.
• This underscores the theme of G'd's hidden miracles in the world, as evidenced by the Megillah.
• Recognizing that seemingly coincidental events are, in fact, manifestations of G'd's hidden miracles is a key to understanding the essence of Purim.
Rules for Those in Mourning (Aveilim) during Purim
Observance During Mourning:
Purim observance does not interrupt the seven-day mourning period (shivah).
Mitzvot for Those in Mourning:
• Individuals in mourning are still obligated to perform Purim mitzvot, even if they are seated on the floor during shivah.
• It is appropriate to send mishloach manot containing items that are not overly sweet (such as meat or fish) to those in mourning.
• Sephardic Jews customarily send mishloach manot to mourners, unlike the Ashkenazi custom.
• When sending gifts, if the mourner’s spouse is not also in mourning, the gifts should be sent to the spouse.
Participation in Festivities:
• A mourner, particularly in the case of a parent (12 months) or a spouse, child, or sibling (30 days), should not fully partake in Purim music and joy.
• They may serve in a supportive role ("Beakifa") but are advised to avoid direct participation in joyful music and dancing.
• In households where not everyone is mourning, background music may be present, but the mourner should not directly listen to it.
Rav Touitou concludes by confirming that the listeners have understood these detailed laws and traditions of Purim.
May we all merit a joyful, holy Purim as we observe these traditions in honor of G'd, in mercy