There is a Torah obligation to contribute one half shekel a year (Machatzis HaShekel) to the upkeep of the Temple Service. 

Although the Temple no longer stands, the custom to give still does. It is fulfilled before Purim, because the Midrash explains that Haman's failure to destroy the Jews was due to their commitment to Machatzis HaShekel.

The custom of Machatzis HaShekel comes in conjunction with another mitzvah to be fulfilled on Purim itself - Matanot L'Evyonim – when each of us is obligated to give gifts to at least two people in need.

In addition to the above mitzvot, there is also Ma'ot Chitim - the mitzvah to ensure that every person has at least the basic needs for Pesach. 

In times gone by, when Jewish communities exercised a level of autonomy, the obligation of Ma'ot Chitim was actually a communally imposed tax.

The three mitzvot of Machatzis HaShekel, Matanot L'Evyonim and Ma'ot Chitim emphasise our communal responsibility towards those less fortunate than ourselves.

At South Head, we have maintained and developed a Simchas Yom Tov fund which distributes food and vouchers to the less fortunate in our community prior to Yomim Tovim. There are, unfortunately, no shortage of people in our community for whom Yom Tov is a source of great anxiety because of the financial outlay that it involves. 

Our gifts transform this worry into joy and gladness. We can then celebrate our own Yom Tov with a full heart knowing that we are not only rejoicing ourselves but have caused others to rejoice as well.

Instead of giving gifts to friends and family, you may wish to consider making a donation to our Maot Chitim - Simchas Yom Tov fund. We then send them a beautiful card saying that a donation to a family in need has been made in their name. (It goes without saying that all funds donated to our Maot Chitim - Simchas Yom Tov fund are directed solely towards families in need and for no other purpose whatsoever.) 

Call Helen on 9371 7300 ext 4 to organise your cards or download our Donation Form here. 

In the merit of assisting those in need, may Hashem grant us, in the words of the Megilla - "Light, Joy, Gladness and Wealth".

Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM