Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel

The Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel (זכר למחצית השקל) is a Jewish custom that commemorates the mitzvah of the Machatzit HaShekel—the half-shekel donation given annually to the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem during the month of Adar.

Background of the Mitzvah of Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel

In the times of the Beit HaMikdash, every Jewish male over the age of 20 was required to give a half-shekel coin (as commanded in Shemot 30:11–16). This donation was used to fund communal sacrifices and maintain the Temple services.

After the destruction of the Temple, the actual obligation ceased, but many Jewish communities developed the custom of donating money in memory of this mitzvah, particularly before Purim.

How It Is Observed Today

The common practice is to give three coins of half the local currency (e.g., three half-dollar coins in the U.S.) before Mincha (afternoon prayer) on Ta’anit Esther or before reading the Megillah on Purim eve.
Some follow the custom of giving the equivalent of the Biblical half-shekel’s silver weight (~9.6 grams of pure silver).
The money is donated to charity, particularly causes that support Torah study, the needy, or communal needs.

Symbolic Connection to Purim

Chazal (the Sages) teach that the half-shekel donations given in Adar atoned for the Jewish people and served as a countermeasure to Haman’s plan to use silver to destroy them (Megillah 13b). Therefore, it is especially fitting to fulfill Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel before Purim.

The amount to give for Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel depends on different customs:

1. Giving Three Half-Coins

The widespread custom is to give three coins that are half of the local currency (e.g., three half-dollar coins in the U.S., three half-shekel coins in Israel, etc.).
This is based on the Torah's mention of the word terumah (donation) three times in connection with the half-shekel (Shemot 30:11-16).

2. Giving the Silver Equivalent of the Biblical Half-Shekel

The original Machatzit HaShekel was 9.6 grams of pure silver.
The value of 9.6 grams of silver fluctuates; as of early 2024, it is approximately $8–$10 USD per person.
As of March 3, 2025, the spot price of silver is approximately $1.03 per gram. apmex.com
The original Machatzit HaShekel weighed about 9.6 grams of pure silver. Therefore, to commemorate this mitzvah, you would donate the equivalent value of 9.6 grams of silver:
9.6 grams × $1.03/gram = $9.89
Thus, you would give approximately $9.89 USD per person.
Please note that silver prices fluctuate, so it's advisable to check the current spot price when making your donation.
Some people follow this practice and donate the silver equivalent for each family member.

3. General Charity Donation

Some communities give a more symbolic amount, such as $5, $10, or more, depending on their means, to fulfill the remembrance through charity (tzedakah).

Who Should Give?

Some opinions hold that only men over 20 are obligated.
However, many families have the custom for every male over Bar Mitzvah to give.
Some also give on behalf of women and children, particularly if it is a family tradition.

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