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Exodus 30:16 - Redeem souls with silver?

Exodus 30:16 - שמות 30:16

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ אֶת־כֶּסֶף הַכִּפֻּרִים מֵאֵת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְנָתַתָּ אֹתוֹ עַל־עֲבֹדַת אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְהָיָה לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְזִכָּרוֹן לִפְנֵי יְהוָה לְכַפֵּר עַל־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Yisra᾽el, and shalt appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a memorial to the children of Yisra᾽el before the Lord, to make atonement for your souls.

Transliteration

Velakachta et-kesef hakipurim me'et bnei Yisrael venatata oto al-avodat ohel moed vehaya livnei Yisrael lezikaron lifnei Adonai lechaper al-nafsheteichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַחְתָּ֞ אֶת־כֶּ֣סֶף הַכִּפֻּרִ֗ים מֵאֵת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְנָתַתָּ֣ אֹת֔וֹ עַל־עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְהָיָה֩ לִבְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל לְזִכָּרוֹן֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה לְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶֽם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וְלָקַחְתָּ֞ אֶת־כֶּ֣סֶף הַכִּפֻּרִ֗ים מֵאֵת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְנָתַתָּ֣ אֹת֔וֹ עַל־עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד וְהָיָה֩ לִבְנֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל לְזִכָּרוֹן֙ לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה לְכַפֵּ֖ר עַל־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶֽם׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 30:16) appears in the context of the mitzvah of machatzit hashekel (the half-shekel contribution), which was given by every Israelite above the age of twenty for the maintenance of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). The funds were used for communal offerings and the upkeep of the sanctuary.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 30:16) explains that the term "כֶּסֶף הַכִּפֻּרִים" (atonement money) refers to the half-shekel given as an atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf. The act of contributing this money served as a rectification for their souls. Rashi further notes that the phrase "לְזִכָּרוֹן" (as a memorial) means that Hashem would recall the merit of Bnei Yisrael’s contribution when judging them.

Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Hilchot Shekalim 1:1-2) elaborates that this mitzvah was an annual obligation during the times of the Beit HaMikdash. The funds were used for purchasing communal sacrifices, ensuring the continuous service in the Temple. The Rambam emphasizes that this contribution was a fixed amount—neither more nor less than a half-shekel—to symbolize equality before Hashem.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:4) teaches that the half-shekel serves as a reminder that no individual is complete on their own. Each person must unite with others to form a whole, reflecting the communal responsibility in avodat Hashem (divine service). The Midrash also connects this mitzvah to the future redemption, suggesting that the merit of the half-shekel will protect Israel in the days of Mashiach.

Symbolism of the Half-Shekel

  • Atonement: The half-shekel atones for sins, particularly the sin of the Golden Calf, as it demonstrates commitment to Hashem’s service.
  • Equality: Rich and poor gave the same amount, teaching that all Jews are equal in their spiritual obligations.
  • Communal Unity: The funds were pooled together, symbolizing that the sanctity of the Mishkan depended on collective participation.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 694) discusses the custom of giving machatzit hashekel before Purim, commemorating this mitzvah. While the Beit HaMikdash is not standing, the practice serves as a remembrance and a prayer for its rebuilding. The money is typically donated to tzedakah (charity), continuing the theme of communal support.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shekalim 2a
The verse is discussed in the context of the collection and use of the half-shekel for the Temple service, emphasizing its role as atonement and memorial.
📖 Megillah 29b
Referenced in a discussion about the sanctity and purpose of communal offerings and their role in atonement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'atonement money' mentioned in Exodus 30:16?
A: The 'atonement money' (כֶּסֶף הַכִּפֻּרִים) refers to the half-shekel tax that every Israelite male aged 20 and older was required to give annually for the maintenance of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that this fixed amount demonstrated equality before Hashem, as both rich and poor gave the same amount.
Q: Why was the atonement money used for the Tent of Meeting?
A: The Torah states the money was designated for 'the service of the Tent of Meeting' (עֲבֹדַת אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד). Rambam (Hilchot Shekalim 4:1) explains these funds were used for communal sacrifices, maintenance of the Sanctuary, and other public needs, ensuring the continuous service of Hashem.
Q: What does it mean that the half-shekel was 'a memorial before Hashem'?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Ki Tisa 10) teaches that the half-shekel served as an eternal merit for Israel. Even after the Temple's destruction, the mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel reminds us of our collective responsibility and unity in serving Hashem. The Talmud (Megillah 29b) also connects it to the future redemption.
Q: How does the concept of 'atonement money' apply today without the Temple?
A: Although we cannot bring the half-shekel today, the Rema (OC 694:1) notes the custom to read the Torah portion about Machatzit HaShekel before Purim and donate charity in its memory. This fulfills the verse's message of collective atonement through unity and supporting sacred causes (see Mishnah Berurah 694:3).
Q: Why was specifically a half-shekel required and not a whole shekel?
A: The Kli Yakar explains the half-shekel teaches humility—no individual is complete alone. Only by joining with others (symbolized by combining halves) do we achieve spiritual wholeness. The Talmud (Shekalim 2a) also derives from this that one must always see oneself as 'half'—constantly striving to grow.