The Half a Shekel

The Tabernacle’s construction and ongoing maintenance was underwritten by a series of three contributions. The first, after which this portion is named, was the people’s voluntary contribution of thirteen different materials needed to build the Tabernacle. The second was a one-time contribution of half a shekel to underwrite the cost of the silver for the sockets. The third was an annual contribution of half a shekel to purchase communal offerings for the ongoing service in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple.