Parashat Mishpatim 5783 – Shabbat Shekalim

by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

This Shabbat we read Parashat Mishpatim  and it has a special title of being called Shabbat Shekalim, one of the special Shabbatot before the holiday of Passover.  The Israelite men’s census was counted by giving half a shekel, chatzi shekel.  Each man gave the same amount, no matter how rich or poor he was. Although this was not truly equal – since the women were not counted – this process was showing that no matter how wealthy one was, each person counted towards helping in the community. The message for us today is that we all can contribute to our community, and we should draw strength from this lesson, that our wealth does not matter, we truly now count equally in the Jewish community, especially since we live in an egalitarian society. Chazak v’Ematz – Be Strong and Courageous!