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Shabbat
Shekalim
Parasha
Mishpatim: "Judgments"
Exodus
21:1-24:18
Exodus:
30:11-16
2 Kings
11:17-12:17
Matthew
5:38-42
This week
we read about the laws that G-d gave regarding servants, murder,
kidnapping, assault, theft, damages, loans, and justice by the courts.
After
hearing about the 23 positive and 30 negative commandments, including the
treatment of foreigners and the promise of G-d to bring Israel to the
Promised Land, G-d's people (Israel ), make the statement that they will
do and hear all that G-d commands.
The
Parasha also includes chapter 30:11-16 where it says that G-d's people
must give an annual half shekel for the upkeep of the Sanctuary.
This
Shabbat is also called Shabbat Shekalim, because we begin the count down
towards Passover. Unbelievable that Passover is coming so soon. This is
the first of four special Shabbats before the memorial of the Passover.
Shekalim is always read on the Shabbat before the month of Adar, which is
the month that we celebrate the redemption of the Jewish people from the
plans of the evil Haman. Boo, Hiss, etc.
Each male,
20 years old and up, was required to give the half Shekel. 1 Corinthians
16:2 tells us how Shaul commands the Corinthians to set aside, on the
first day of the week, a set amount of money in keeping with his income to
be given out by Shaul later. He encouraged the people to participate in
giving to meet the needs of the world beyond their own needs in the place
where they live.
Giving is
an act of worship as we read about the giving of the half Shekel to the
needs of the sanctuary. This gift is an opportunity of giving praise and
thanksgiving, as well as an admission of trust in G-d to take
care of us.
Also, the
Prophet Malachi tells us to test G-d and see the windows of heaven open.
He further tells us to bring the whole tithe to the storehouse. Today
G-d's house is our Sanctuary (Congregation) and should be the first place
that our tithes should go in order for the house of G-d to continue and
not fall into disarray as the sanctuary did during the reign of Athalia,
spoken of in the special reading for the HAFTORAH Shekalim. The commentary
reading states that each person measures his worth and his standing in the
community/nation, by having a share in the maintenance of the Sanctuary.
The result from this is that the community/nation grew in wealth in size,
and spiritual influence.
We are to
be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
Shavua Tov.
Rabbi Z.
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