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Shekalim 3: The Partnership

“My soul said, ‘God is my portion.’” (Lamentations 3:24) It is natural for something to desire to reconnect to its source. God says in response to the soul, “They desire Me so much that I desire to reconnect with them as if they were the source, and I, only a portion.” (Alshich)  

The idea that God desires that our relationship with Him should be as two parts of a whole is also indicated in numerous places in the Talmud that describe God saying, “I consider this person as if he were a partner with Me in Creation.” (Shabbat 10a)


God also refers to us a sibling. “Open up for me my sister,” (Song of Songs 5:2) God loves us so much that He will not budge until He can refer to us connected as siblings. (Shemot Rabbah 52:5)


The Half Shekel is a reflection of this idea of God desiring a connection with us that is a partnership, or the connection between siblings, even equals. We offer only half a Shekel. God offers the other half together with us. It is our connection with God that make us whole.



 (Machberes Avodas Hashem)

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