Tell me more ×
Mi Yodeya is a question and answer site for those who base their lives on Jewish law and tradition and anyone interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.

In the times of the Beis HaMikdash when the Machatzis HaShekel was given was a bracha recited?

share|improve this question
history?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ – Double AA Feb 10 at 2:11

2 Answers

The Rashba (Shu"t Siman 18) and the Shu"t that are attributed to the Ramban (Siman 189) explain the reason why we do not make a brocha on mitzvos such as Matnas Kehuna and Machatzis Hashekel: Whatever he is giving is not really his, rather Hashem gives it to the Cohen, as it says in Divrei Hayamim (1 29:14), "For all is from You, and from Your hand we have given it to You". (This is in contrast to mitzvos like Trumas, Maasros, Hafrashas Challa and Pidyon Haben were he can make a brocha on the separation, whereas here he would be making a brocha on the giving).

share|improve this answer
This makes sense. We don't make a Berachah when we give Tzedakah. Thanks for explaining the contrast to the Berachah on separating. That was the first thing to pop into my head. – Seth J Feb 10 at 2:01

Kovaitz Bais Aharon V'Yisroel 105 page 95 mentions in the name of the Teshuvas HaRashba 18 that a Bracha was not said on the Mitzva of Machtzis HaShekel. However further in Kovaitz Bais Aharon V'Yisroel 105 page 96 it mentions a Yerushalmi Meshectas Shekalim Perek 3 end of Halacha 2 which indicates that a Bracha was said on the Mitzva of Machtzis HaShekel.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.