The half-shekel was donated in order to fund the communal sacrifices. Concerning this, there is a well-known teaching of the Alter Rebbe that is based on the literal reading of the verse, "One who offers from yourselves a sacrifice to Hashem." He explained that in order to draw closer to Hashem (the Hebrew "Yakriv"—"offer"—also means "to draw close"), one must offer himself, his entire being, to Hashem. We should take a practical lesson from this teaching: We should put all ten powers of our soul into giving Tzedakah and performing acts of kindness—so that in addition to the action, we should also think and speak about Ahavas Yisrael.
Be Specific
On Shabbos Shekalim, during Shabbos itself, we should make resolutions regarding giving Tzedakah.
Our resolutions should include precise details.
Challenge Yourself
We should make novel commitments that demand greater energy.
Ahavas Yisrael—Think, Say, and Do
Regarding thought: We should work on ourselves so that all of our thoughts throughout the entire day should be permeated with—and only with—Ahavas Yisrael, love for our fellow Jews.
Regarding speech: As per the ruling of the Alter Rebbe that "It is fitting to say each morning before prayers, 'Hareini Mekabel, etc.'—'I hereby accept upon myself the positive commandment to love your fellow Jew as yourself.'" This commitment is specifically to be stated verbally. Needless to say, this also includes having in mind the implication of our declaration—at least its most basic meaning…
Regarding action—which is the main thing: "All that a person has, he would give for his soul."
Imitate Hashem’s Tzedakah
The main thing is for us to immediately make positive resolutions regarding all that we have discussed, and we should specifically make resolutions that contain precise details—brand new resolutions, demanding novel energies. After all, the existence of all Creation, including each and every Jew, is created anew each moment in an entirely and literally innovative manner… And Hashem’s constant creation of all that exists is absolute and perpetual. Tzedakah on His part! Our own Tzedakah should reflect this fact.
We could readily appreciate that our resolutions regarding giving Tzedakah should likewise be in an entirely innovative manner.
