Machatzit HaShekel

The mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel (Half Shekel) was observed during the time of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem, when the Jewish people contributed half a shekel to the Temple treasury.

Today, we commemorate this mitzvah by giving a charitable donation known as Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel (in remembrance of the Half Shekel).

Jewish holy books describe the great spiritual merit of giving Machatzit HaShekel, including blessings for long life, prosperity, protection from unfavorable decrees, and a share in Olam Haba (the World to Come).

According to these traditional teachings, those who faithfully observe this custom each year merit special blessings for themselves and their families.

This is your opportunity to commemorate the mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel through the Chabad website!

It is customary to donate an amount equivalent to the value of the original Half Shekel. In 2027 (5787), the recommended amount is approximately 64 NIS ($21 USD) per person, based on the value of pure silver, including VAT in Israel.

Additional charitable contributions are always encouraged and are considered a source of great spiritual merit.

Machatzit HaShekel – The Half Shekel

Hashem commanded Moshe Rabbeinu that when counting the Jewish people, he should not count them directly, in order to avoid the evil eye.

Instead, each Jewish person was instructed to contribute an identical amount of money — half a shekel — and the coins would then be counted to determine the population.

As the Torah states:

“The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel.” (Exodus 30:15)

The first collection of Machatzit HaShekel took place following the sin of the Golden Calf (Chet Ha’Egel), which resulted in the deaths of many Jewish people.

Afterward, Hashem commanded Moshe to count the Jewish people, expressing His great love and affection for them.

Rashi, in his commentary on the Torah, illustrates this idea with a parable:

A shepherd was responsible for a flock of sheep. One day, a plague struck the flock, causing some of the animals to die.

The owner instructed the shepherd to count the remaining animals to determine how many had survived.

Similarly, Hashem commanded that the Jewish people be counted because of His great love for them. We naturally count and cherish the things that are precious to us.

What Sins Does Machatzit HaShekel Atone For?

Jewish holy books explain that the donation of Machatzit HaShekel serves as a form of atonement for the Jewish people.

As the Torah states:

“Each man shall give a ransom for his soul to Hashem.” (Exodus 30:12)

According to the Midrash, Moshe Rabbeinu wondered how a monetary contribution could provide atonement for a person’s sins.

Hashem explained that He does not demand that people give according to His infinite ability, but rather according to their own means.

According to traditional interpretations, the mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel provided atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf.

Other Jewish sources also associate this mitzvah with atonement for the sin of selling Yosef (Joseph) by his brothers.

Machatzit HaShekel During the Time of the Beit HaMikdash

During the time of the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem, eligible Jewish men were required to contribute half a shekel each year.

The collected funds were used to purchase communal offerings and cover other communal expenses associated with the Holy Temple.

The annual collection took place in preparation for the month of Nissan, when the new cycle of communal offerings began.

Machatzit HaShekel Today

Since the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash, the original mitzvah of contributing the Half Shekel to the Temple treasury can no longer be fulfilled.

However, Jewish communities have preserved the custom of making a charitable donation Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel — in remembrance of the Half Shekel.

Today, these donations may support needy families, synagogues, Torah study centers, yeshivas, and other charitable causes.

When giving the donation, it is important to specify that it is being given in remembrance of Machatzit HaShekel, rather than as an actual Temple contribution.

This distinction ensures that the money is not mistakenly designated as sacred Temple funds.

How Much Is Machatzit HaShekel in 2027?

According to a widely followed custom, the Machatzit HaShekel donation should correspond to the value of the original Half Shekel coin, estimated at approximately 9 grams of pure silver.

For 2027 (5787), the recommended donation is approximately:

• 64 NIS in Israeli currency, including VAT.

• $21 USD in U.S. currency.

These amounts are estimates based on silver prices and exchange rates and may be updated before Rosh Chodesh Adar.

Those who wish to give additional charity are encouraged to do so.

Machatzit HaShekel According to Ashkenazi Custom

According to the Rema (Rabbi Moshe Isserles), the customary donation consists of three half-unit coins.

In Israel, this can be fulfilled by giving three 50-agorot coins, totaling 1.5 NIS.

In the United States, the corresponding custom is to give three half-dollar coins, totaling $1.50 USD.

However, many Ashkenazi Jews follow the custom of donating the equivalent value of the original biblical Half Shekel, approximately 9 grams of pure silver, similar to Sephardic custom.

This practice is mentioned by Halachic authorities, including Kaf HaChaim and Piskei Teshuvot (Orach Chaim 694:4).

When Should Machatzit HaShekel Be Given in 2027?

Machatzit HaShekel donations may be given beginning on Rosh Chodesh Adar.

The customary time to give Machatzit HaShekel is on Ta’anit Esther (the Fast of Esther).

In 2027 (5787), the Fast of Esther falls on Monday, March 22, 2027.

According to different Halachic opinions, the original Half Shekel obligation applied to males from the age of 13 or 20.

Today, it is customary in many Jewish communities to donate on behalf of every family member, including women and children.

Some families even follow the custom of giving on behalf of an unborn child.

The Coin of Fire

The Midrash teaches that when Hashem commanded Moshe Rabbeinu regarding the Half Shekel, He showed him a coin of fire to demonstrate the required contribution.

According to Chassidic teachings, Hashem did not show Moshe the fiery coin merely to explain its physical size or value.

Rather, the fire symbolizes the spiritual power of giving charity with enthusiasm, sincerity, and holiness.

Even a simple coin, when given with genuine devotion, can become a powerful source of spiritual elevation and atonement.

Why Must Everyone Give the Same Amount?

One of the unique aspects of the original Machatzit HaShekel mitzvah is that everyone was required to contribute exactly the same amount.

The Torah explicitly states that the wealthy must not give more and the poor must not give less.

Unlike many other forms of charity, where contributions depend on a person’s financial circumstances, the Half Shekel emphasized equality among the Jewish people.

This teaches us that, in their essential spiritual identity, all Jews are equal before Hashem, regardless of wealth, social status, or personal circumstances.

Every Jewish soul possesses the same fundamental holiness and value.

Why Do We Give Half a Shekel Instead of a Whole Shekel?

The Torah describes the sacred shekel as consisting of twenty gerahs, making half a shekel equal to ten gerahs.

The emphasis on giving precisely half a shekel carries a profound spiritual message.

According to Chassidic teachings, the half coin symbolizes the idea that a Jewish person is not complete when standing alone.

True spiritual completeness is achieved through connection with Hashem.

The Half Shekel reminds us that every Jew is part of something greater, and that our relationship with Hashem brings us to spiritual wholeness.