Half-Shekel – a pure silver coin weighing 7 grams.

The Machatzit HaShekel (Half-Shekel) is a commandment derived from the Book of Exodus, in which every Israelite male was commanded to contribute half a shekel toward the purchase of communal offerings and the maintenance of the Tabernacle and the Temple. Today, the commandment is observed through the custom known as Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel ("In Memory of the Half-Shekel"), and it is customary to give charity on the eve of the festival of Purim.

Jewish Sources

In the Torah: The commandment appears in the Torah portion of *Ki Tisa*. Moses was commanded to count the Children of Israel by means of an equal contribution of half a shekel, in order to provide atonement for them following the Sin of the Golden Calf.

In the Mishnah and Gemara: Tractate *Shekalim* describes how, during the month of Adar, a public announcement was made regarding the obligation to bring the half-shekel to the Temple, ensuring that funds would be available for the new offerings starting from the first of Nisan.

**Spiritual Significance and Customs**

* Atonement for the Soul: According to the sources, the contribution is intended to serve as a "ransom for the soul" and possesses the power to protect the individual.