This week is Parshas Shekolim and we read the pasukim which discuss the mitzvah of Machatzis Hashekel. Rashi comments on the words “zeh yitnu” (“this they shall give”) (Shemos 30:13): “He showed him a fiery coin whose weight was a half shekel and said (to Moshe), ‘this is what they shall give.'” What is the significance of Moshe being showed a fiery coin?
This year I came across a novel insight into the symbolism of a fiery coin. There is an interesting Medrash Rabbah in Parshas Tetzaveh explaining the metaphor “Ki ner mitzvah v’Torah ohr” (for a candle is a mitzvah and the Torah is light) (Mishlei 6:23). It is a well-known fact that it is difficult for people to part with their money. For some people, it is more difficult and for some people it is less difficult, but in general, it is not easy for a person to part with his hard-earned money.
Hashem speaks of a “coin of fire.” The idea is that it is possible to light a thousand other candles from a single lit candle without diminishing the first candle’s light at all. This census donation is the first time Hashem is asking us to give tzedakah. Hashem is reminding us that tzedakah is like fire: When you give, it does not diminish the fire from which it came. This is what Hashem is teaching us with the pasuk “Ki ner mitzvah v’Torah ohr.”
The “coin of fire” teaches us this lesson: Don’t think you will be lacking after giving this half-shekel coin. Just as a single candle can light a thousand candles without diminishing its light at all, that is the way tzedakah is as well.
In light of the above I would like to offer you the opportunity to donate towards the Limuday Moshe Purim and Pesach Booklets.
Starting this week through till Pesach we hope to bring out extra-large booklets averaging between 32 - 40 pages each week, containing exciting Purim and Pesach topics. (Please note: This is instead of bringing out large booklets containing just Purim or Pesach topics like we have done in previous years.)
Please donate and help us spread our booklets out as much as possible in order to enhance 1000's of people's Purim and Pesach. To donate simply visit: Thank you in advance.
This booklet was compiled with siyata dishmayah by Rabbi Moshe Harris. For final rulings please consult your Rov. For any comments, dedications, or to subscribe to receive the weekly booklet email: [email protected], visit www.limudaymoshe.com, or call 0583249052.
