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This Shabbat we read the Torah portion of Vayakhel, which describes the design of some of the sacred items in the ancient Tabernacle. Additionally, this Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shekalim. The special additional reading for this occasion (Exodus, 30:11-16) describes a census of the Jewish People which was taken while the Jews were in the wilderness, after their departure from Egypt. The Torah, here and in other places as well, indicates that we should not count people in an ordinary manner. Instead, people should be called upon to contribute items, which would then be counted.
In the case of this census, the item which was contributed, by rich and poor alike, was a half shekel. The shekel, of course, was the currency in use at the time, (as it still is today in the land of Israel) roughly equivalent to our dollar. The collected shekels were then used for the construction and upkeep of the Mishkan, the portable Temple, which was used until the Temple found its permanent residence in Jerusalem, the eternal capital city of the Jewish people. The equal participation of all the children of Israel symbolizes that all Jews must share in achieving national goals, by limiting personal interests for the sake of the nation. The mission of Israel is dependent upon the unity of the whole!
This Torah reading also makes reference to atonement that is achieved by participation in this half-shekel assessment. All of us are flawed and imperfect human beings who certainly have our shortcomings. But when we all come together as one nation we can ascend to a higher plane, as we merge all of our virtues with one another, thereby reducing the significance of our sins. This may also be a reason why we prefer to pray together as a “minyan" of ten or more people, to establish a community, whose virtues can connect and be united, instead of praying individually.
As we enjoy the sacred unity and happiness of celebrating "Sisterhood Shabbat" together, let us remember the essential value of Jewish unity. Only when we come together and support each other, through good times as well as bad, can we truly achieve the highest level of what it means to be a Jewish community.
Shabbat Shalom!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
cantorzkonigsberg@gmail.com
917-696-0749
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