Machatzit HaShekel

Before Mincha it is customary to give 3 half-dollar coins (or half-shekel coins in Israel) to tzedaka for the poor. This is to recall the mitzvah of the half-shekel which the Jews used to give at this time of year for the communal sacrifices. The three coins recall the three times the Torah says the word Terumah (donation) in the section regarding the half-shekel coins.

• This mitzvah applies to men over the age of 20. Some say it is obligatory for men above the age of 13.
• It is customary for women to do this mitzvah as well.
• A husband may do this on behalf of his wife.
• It is also customary for a father to give on behalf of his young children (including unborn children).
• Once a father gives on his children’s behalf even once, he may not stop until the child grows up and is able to give on his own behalf.
• In 1992 the Lubavitcher Rebbe recommended that parents educate their children to give the Machatzit Hashekel from their own money. The parents should enable their children to give this in a way that they still have money for all of their needs.
• In addition to the three half-dollar coins, some have a custom to give the value of a half shekel of silver. In today’s market this is approximately $25.
• In some communities, it is customary for the gabbai to provide three silver half-dollars for the community’s use. Each person “buys” these coins for $1.50 and “gives” them to tzedakah.
• Some say this money should be used specifically for the poor, especially poor Torah scholars in the land of Israel. Others say it may be used for any charitable cause. The Lubavitcher Rebbe mentioned on several occasions that there is an advantage to giving the Machatzit Hashekel to the Shul or Bais HaMidrash as these correspond to the destination of the original Machatzit Hashekel – the Bait HaMikdash. The Rebbe also recommended that the purpose for which the Machatzit HaShekel will be used should be written on the plate.
• Some have the custom that when giving the coins, they say “zecher lemachatzit hashekel (a memory for the half-shekel).” This is to ensure that one not mistakenly think that the coins have the holiness of the ancient half-shekels.
• Since the Machatzit HaShekel is not given on Purim (and is not necessarily distributed to the poor), one does not fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot La'evyonim (see below) by giving it. One should make sure to give to the poor separately so that they receive it on Purim.
• One should not use one’s ma’aser money (the ten percent charitable tithe) for Machatzit HaShekel as this is a separate obligation.