Positive Commandment 171 (Digest)
Giving a Half Shekel
"Then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul to G‑d"—Exodus 30:12.
Every Jewish man is obligated to contribute annually a half a shekel [to the Temple coffers].
This biblical mitzvah only applies during the Temple Era.
Unabridged English Text of this Mitzvah »
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> The 171st mitzvah is that we are commanded to give a half shekel;) every year.
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> The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement;) (exalted be He), "Each man shall give an atonement offering for his life," and, "[Everyone included in the census] shall give [a half shekel]."
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> It is clear that women are not obligated in this mitzvah, since the verse says, "Everyone included in the census" [and only men were in the census].
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> The details of this mitzvah are explained in the tractate devoted to this subject, i.e., tractate Shekalim.
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> There it is explained that this mitzvah applies only when the Holy Temple is standing.
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> Footnotes
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> 1.
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> Or one half of whatever coin is in use at a particular time (Hilchos Shekalim 1:5). This money was used to purchase the communal sacrifices, as well as other necessities (ibid. 4:1).
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> 2.
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> Ex. 30:12-13.