Why we opened this campaign
From the month of Adar until the month of Nisan, there is a custom to give a donation equivalent to half a silver shekel from the times of the Temple, based on the current value of silver. The weight of this coin was 8.5 grams of silver. It is important to mention that the donation is given in memory of the half-shekel.
"This they shall give—everyone who passes among those counted... half a shekel as an offering to the Lord." (Shemot 30:13)
Today, since the Temple no longer stands, instead of fulfilling the mitzvah of giving the half-shekel, a custom arose to give tzedakah in memory of the half-shekels that were collected during the Temple era. And since there are no longer sacrifices, the collected money is given to those in need, as charity, like sacrifices, atones for sins (Bava Batra 10b).
Who is obligated to give “Machatzit HaShekel”?
According to Torah law, only men from the age of 20 are obligated to give Machatzit HaShekel. However, according to the commonly accepted custom today, the head of the household gives on behalf of all adult family members—boys from the age of 13 and girls from the age of 12.
How much should be given?
The value of 8.5 grams of silver today is approximately $11, which is roughly:
- 42₪
- 10€
- 943₽
- 454₴, etc.
This amount should be multiplied by the number of adult family members.
Common Confusion with Another Custom
Many people confuse this custom with another widespread practice:
On the Fast of Esther, during Mincha prayers, it is customary to give tzedakah by placing three coins of the local currency, each with a "half" denomination (e.g., ½ shekel, ½ dollar, ½ ruble, etc.).
The Shulchan Aruch mentions that the half-shekel should be given on the eve of Purim, and the requirement to give three coins comes from the fact that the Torah mentions this mitzvah three times (Orach Chaim 694:1).
These three coins are traditionally donated even for minor children and even for an unborn child in the mother’s womb (Mishnah Berurah). Whether women should participate in this mitzvah depends on community customs.
How Much to Give for This Custom?
A charitable donation of 1.5 shekels (or dollars, rubles, etc., depending on the country) should be given per family member. If the mother is pregnant, an additional 1.5 per fetus is added.
For example, a family with two children should give 6 shekels (or dollars, rubles, etc.).
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