- Q. On this year (5784-2024) that we have two months of Adar, when do we give the Machatzis Hashekel?
A. Rema (O.H. 694:1) writes that one should donate before Purim begins on Ta’anis Esther before Mincha, three coins that represent a half value, in remembrance of the Machatzis Hashekel that was given in the ancient times.
However, Mishna Berura (4) quoting Magen Avrohom mentions that in his country it was given in the morning of Purim, before the reading of the Megilah. He adds than in his days Machatzis Hashekel was given before Mincha on Taanis Esther and on the Purim morning the monies of the Megilah and the gifts for the poor.
Nitei Gavriel mentions that when Purim falls on Sunday, there are three different opinions:
1) Remah (ibid) and Pri Megodim who maintain that Machatzis Hashekel should be given on Taanis Esther Mincha on Thursday.
2) Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (141: 5) and Kaf Hachaim (694: 25) that it should be donated on Purim morning.
3) Mogen Avrohom (694: 3) both donations on both occasions above.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that Machatzis Hashekel should be given on Taanis Esther Mincha on Thursday, and on Purim morning the monies of the Megilah and the gifts for the poor.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a.
Important Numbers
