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CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF CHODESH ADAR & PURIM
1) The obligation to give Machatzis 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. (See Mishna Berura 694:5)
Women are exempt from giving Machatzis 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 and Levush Siman 686)
2) "Machatzis HaShekel" may not be given from Ma'aser money, as Ma'aser may not be used for obligations. (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)
However, the "Machatzis Hashekel" that is given on behalf of boys below the age of 13, for females or on behalf of anyone who isn't halachically obligated and is only being given based on the custom, may be taken from Ma'aser money. (See Elya Rabbah and Yosef Ometz Siman 686)
The money raised for "Machatzis Hashekel" (which nowadays is only a commemoration of the real Machatzis Hashekel in the times of the Bais Hamikdash, which was used for purchasing Korbanos) should ideally be distributed to poor people, preferably for use for their Purim Seudah. (See Siddur Ya'avetz quoting the Levush Siman 686.)
If no poor people are present, the money can be held until a later date when a poor person can be located [or M'Ikar Hadin it can be given to any charitable cause.] (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 694:4)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
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.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
I want to mail someone a check [for Purim]. Is this counted as Tzedaka on Purim?
Answer:
If it gets there by Purim and they are able to cash it on Purim , then yes. Otherwise its not acceptable as Matanos L'Evyonim
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