Contribute Online To Fulfill the Custom of ​Zecher L'Machatzit HaShekel

It is customary during the month of Adar to make a charitable donation to commemorate the Machatzit HaShekel, the annual half-shekel tax that every Jew would give during the times of the Beit HaMikdash to fund the expenses of the Beit HaMikdash.

Approximate Value of Nine Grams Of Silver For Zecher l'Machatzit HaShekel

$10.00

It is customary during the month of Adar to make a charitable donation to commemorate the “Machatzit HaShekel” the annual half-shekel tax that every Jew would give during the times of the Beit Ha’mikdash to fund the expenses of the Beit Ha’mikdash.


To fulfill this custom, how much should one give?

  • ​The Rema brings a custom to give three coins, each valued at half the local currency to tzedaka as a Zecher L'Machatzit HaShekel. 
  • A beautiful hidur mentioned in the Kaf HaChaim is that one can donate the monetary value of 9.6 grams of silver which, as of February, 2025, amounts to about $10.
  • ​Some have the custom to give the value of (1) one Machatzit HaShekel for each family member in their household. Others have the custom to give the value of (3) three Machatzit HaShekel per person.
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​To fulfill this custom, how much should one give?
  • ​The Rema brings a custom to give three coins, each valued at half the local currency to tzedaka as a Zecher L'Machatzit HaShekel. 
  • A beautiful hidur mentioned in the Kaf HaChaim is that one can donate the monetary value of 9.6 grams of silver which, as of February 2025, amounts to about $10.
  • ​Some have the custom to give the value of (1) one Machatzit HaShekel for each family member in their household. Others have the custom to give the value of (3) three Machatzit HaShekel per person.
All money collected will be distributed to local Jewish individuals and families in need for throughout the year assistance. This transaction is 100% tax deductible and "No goods or services have been provided for this contribution" will appear on the donation receipt.
​Some Background To Understanding Zecher L'Machatzit HaShekel

The Gemara (Megilla 13b) teaches us that the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people in the time of Purim was in the merit of the mitzvah of Machtzis Hashekel (the half shekel given each year for the communal sacrifices). Although we can no longer bring the sacrifices, as a remembrance for this mitzvah and the salvation, there is a custom to give a Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel each year in the month of Adar before we read about the evil decree of Haman. Maseches Sofrim (21:4) writes that the coins should be given before reading Parshas Zachor. However, the Rama (OC 694:1) writes that this is no longer the custom. Instead, the Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel should preferably be given on Taanis Esther before davening Mincha. Some explain that we specifically give the Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel before Purim and not on Purim so as not to confuse these coins with Matanos L’evyonim. It is customary to give the coins as close to Purim as possible. When Purim is on Sunday, and the Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel cannot be given right before Purim (because it is Shabbos), one should give the Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel on Thursday. Sefer Divrei Yatziv (OC 293) writes that in such a case, it is best to give Zecher L’Machtzis Hashekel twice, on Thursday and again on Purim day before reading the Megillah. (Summary adapted from OU Halacha Yomis)
Please note:
Amount collected for Machatzis HaShekel will not be included with Matanos L'evyonim distribution. To fulfill Matanos L'evyonim please click banner below