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    19 Mar KASHRUS QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

    Posted at 15:40h in by
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    Regarding the custom of Zecher
    L’Machtzis Hashekel, I have a
    difficult time finding fifty cent
    coins. Can I give two quarters,
    or is there a different way to

    perform this mitzvah?
    The Rama (OC 694:1) writes that before Purim one
    should give to charity a coin that is half the value of
    the standard currency of the time, as a remembrance
    of the half shekel that was collected every year for the
    communal sacrifices. It is proper to give three such coins,
    since in Parshas Shekalim the word teruma (donation) is
    repeated three times. This alludes to three separate collections that were made
    (see Rashi, Ki Sisa 30:15). The Maharsham (Daas Torah 694:1) writes that if
    one cannot find such coins, i.e. half dollars, then one should find a friend to
    pair up with and together to give three one dollar coins (based on the Mishna,
    Shekalim 1:6). However, Rabbi Yosef Greenwald, zt”l (Va’yaan Yosef OC 407)
    writes that strictly speaking, one can give 3 nickels for Zecher L’Machtzis
    Hashekel, since a nickel is half of a dime. He maintains that a better solution
    is to give two quarters instead, since a dollar is a more primary currency than
    a dime. Although, altogether, one is giving six coins and not three, he writes
    that this too is acceptable, since it is merely a zecher (commemoration) of the
    original mitzvah.

    When is the proper time to give the
    Zecher L’Machtzis 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
    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 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
    (when Taanis Esther is observed). 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.