1) On Taanis Esther, before Mincha, It is customary to give a "Half" coin to Tzedaka to commemorate the "Machtzis Hashekel, the Half Shekel" that each Jew was obligated to give [in the times of the Bais HaMikdash] to the communal fund from which the Korban Tamid (sacrificial lamb that was offered each morning and evening] was purchased.
In the Parsha of "Machtzis HaShekel" (Parshas Ki Sisa)it says the word "Terumah" three times. Therefore, many have the custom to give 3 "Half coins". (Tashbatz Siman 173 based on the Mordechai in the first Perek of Maseches Megilah, also brought in Ram"a Siman 694:1). Others, however, have the custom to only give one "half" coin. (Opinion of the Gaon of Vilna)
2) The "Half" coin that is used varies from country to country. In the United States, the accepted custom is to use a "Half Dollar coin" (which is referred to as "Half a dollar). Each person should use the "Half" coin that is used in their respective country.
If one lives in a country that does not have a "Half" coin, he should give one(or 3, if following the Minhag to give 3)coin(s) and think in his mind that half of the coin(s) should be for the obligation of "Machtzis HaShekel" and the other half should simply be Tzedaka. (See Biur Halacha Siman 694 Dibur HaMaschil V'yesh Liten Shlosha. See also Shu"t Minchas Eluzer Vol. 1 Siman 30)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) The obligation to give Machtzis HaShekel is for all males over the age of 20, and according to some opinions for all males over the age of 13.
However, the prevalent custom is for every father to give a separate "Half" coin (or 3 coins) for each of his male children, and if his wife is pregnant, to give for the unborn child as well. (Mishna Berura 694:5)
Women are exempt from giving Machtzis HaShekel (Mishna Maseches Shekalim Perek 1:3)
However, some Poskim bring the custom to indeed give Machtzis HaShekel for the women [as well as the female children] in the household. (Leket Yosher. Levush Siman 686)
2) "Machtzis HaShekel" may not be given from Ma'aser money. (Shu"t Bais Dino Shel Shlomo Yoreh Deah Siman 1. See also Sefer Tzedaka U'mishpat Perek 6 footnote 37. See also Mogen Avraham Siman 694:1 in the name of the Shel"a HaKadosh)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted Questions of interest (on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topics) and my Answers taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Todaywebsite. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be sent to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
Why must one be silent after reciting HaMapil? It has something to do with the minute amount of death we experience while asleep, right?
My Answer:
No, it has nothing to do with death! (Though Chazal do say that sleep is a 60th of death)
It has to do with the fact that haMapil is a bracha on [going to] sleep and as such must be followed by [going to]sleep and no interruptions. (much as you must take a bite out of an apple after saying "HaEitz" lest it be a Hefsek and thus a Bracha in vain)
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
