Siyum Mesechet Shekalim

In this siyum mesechet, dedicated to the memory of Zamir Burke, HYD, I explore the underlying message of the half-shekel donation to the Temple. I present R. S. R. Hirsch’s explanation of the essential role of contributing to the people of Israel, propose a reason why the custom of *zecher lemahatzit hashekel* emerged only in the 13th century, and suggest that the miraculous eternity of the Jewish people is what justifies the obligation to sell even one’s clothes in order to take part in the half-shekel donation.

Drash