Elevation demands heavenly insight, a focus on the promises of G-d for K’lal Yisrael on both a communal as well as a personal level. Therefore, in consideration of the half shekel, commanded to be given by the Children of Israel, it is relevant to consider the connotation of the word, rosh, “to lift up.” This word may connote the taking of a census. Yet, it may also be applied to the spiritual status of those who contribute the shekel, that serves as representative of them as an individual counted within the overall populace.
It is understood as an elevation of their soul to a higher level, bringing the individual closer to HaShem through the contribution made. When we give of our wealth on earth, we will be storing up treasures in heaven. Our good deeds are the only things that accompany us on the soul’s journey. In the morning prayers, as per a Talmudic passage we learn that while we do receive reward on earth for our mitzvoth, like tsedokah, the principle reward is in heaven.
In order to draw closer to HaShem, we bring an offering from our own possessions, from what is of value to us, like our monetary funds, time, or space that we share with others, as we contribute to the welfare of our communities. We are lifted up closer to G-d, when we give of ourselves to others, in whatever form our capacity permits. In fact, one translation of the Shema, is to love HaShem, with all of our heart, soul, and resources. We may give of our resources that may include more than money, time, and space, as well as offering ourselves, in order to be present with others; i.e. to serve as a witness in the midst of their nisyanos, and offer comfort.
Additionally, our resources could include our talents, that we may also use to serve G-d and others, as our capacities permit. It would be negligent not to use our skills in a way that serves G-d and others, as per the guidelines established through the commandments. So, we may give to others, using the skills, background and vocation we have acquired in life.
Also, consider that the sages teach that the Hebrew word, ahavah, meaning love, implies giving. We are commanded to love our brothers and sisters, and extend that love to others as well, since all mankind has a spark of G-d inside them, we are all created in G-d’s image. Yet, specifically, within the framework of K’lal Yisrael, we are bound together as one people, and responsible for each other. The half shekel is symbolic of this unity, because we may view ourselves as incomplete without each other. Joined together, we become part of the whole.
As a caregiver for my elderly mother, I have been able to harness the skills that I have developed over the years, for the sake of using them in regard to caring for a loved one. This is the essence of Kibud Av v’Em. Moreover, I am also acquiring new skills, learning along the way, as well as increasing my understanding of her needs.
The other day, another resident at the Rehab, where my mother is recovering from a broken hip, needed to call her daughter. She had arrived earlier that morning, and was distraught, because she did not know whether her daughter knew where she was. At first, she attempted to speak to me in Yiddish, until I told her that I was not a Rabbi, and never learned Yiddish, because I grew up as a Conservative Jew, and became ba’al teshuvah, later in life.
So, I let her use my phone, and finally after several tries, she was able to reach her daughter. In giving her my attention, my mother, who was sitting at the same table in the dining room as her, did not have my undivided attention as usual. However, K’lal Yisrael is responsible to each other.
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