1) On Ta'anis Esther, before Mincha, It is customary to give a "Half" coin to Tzedakah to commemorate the "Machatzis 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 Korbanos Tamid (sacrificial lamb that was offered each morning and evening] was purchased.
In the Parasha of "Machatzis 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 coin(or 3 coins, if following the Minhag to give 3) and think in his mind that half of the coin should be for the obligation of commemorating "Machatzis HaShekel" and the other half should simply be Tzedakah. (See Biur Halacha Siman 694 Dibur HaMaschil V'yesh Liten Shlosha. See also Shu"t Minchas Elazar Vol. 1 Siman 30)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
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Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
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Reader's Question:
Is it permissible to reuse a stamp that arrives on a letter in the mail and was not postmarked, does this fall under the category of To'us Akum?
Answer:
The stamp may not be reused. (See Shu"t Mishneh Halachos Vol. 6 Siman 288 for a discussion as to why)
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זכר צדיקים וקדושים לברכה
I try with all my might to keep the trait of anger repressed and expose it only when necessary. That way, it is I who controls this bad quality. It does not control me!
Rav Pinchas of Koritz Zatzal, quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Important Numbers
