We should implement the lesson of Parshas Shekalim—to give more Tzedakah.
There are various levels within the Mitzvah of Tzedakah: merely giving the required tenth (of our earnings), the charitable fifth, or even more—in the spirit of the verse, "All that one has, he would give for his soul." After all, the Shekalim were donated towards the purchase of sacrifices that brought "atonement to your souls."
How to Give Tzedakah
Parshas Shekalim even provides us with a lesson regarding our manner of donation.
Parshas Tzedakah
As our Sages explain in numerous places, donating Shekalim is the concept of Tzedakah… This is especially true in the current era, when the actual donation of Shekalim (to the Temple) no longer applies—instead, the very concept of "Shekalim" has become that of Tzedakah. As is known, it is our custom that "before Purim, we give (to Tzedakah) a coin that is a 'half' of the established currency in our present location and era (e.g., a half-dollar coin in America)." This is to recall the half-shekel that used to be donated in the month of Adar (while the Temple existed). Now, this custom is literally Tzedakah.
Sacrifice Your Money
This instruction (to give Tzedakah) is specifically derived from the donating of Shekalim, the purpose of which was to cover the expenses of offering sacrifices "to atone for your souls." It is understood that the instruction should reflect its source of derivation. We should give Tzedakah in the spirit of the verse, "All that one has, he would give for his soul."
From an edited segment of Sichos Parshas Vayakhel-Shekalim—the last Sicha edited by the Rebbe.
Tzedakah with Mesiras Nefesh
Since it is currently Parshas Shekalim, the practical lesson that we should derive from this Shabbos is to increase in giving Tzedakah. Moreover, we should give Tzedakah in the same manner that sacrifices are to be offered—"One who offers from yourselves a sacrifice to Hashem," in accordance with the explanation of the Alter Rebbe on this verse.
This is a concept similar to "Our lips will take the place of the sacrifice of bulls." In exile, our prayers accomplish what Temple sacrifices would have accomplished.
