36 | FEBRUARY 20 • 2020
Spirit
torah portion
T
his week, we read a
special portion called
Parshat Shekalim, where
we learn about the half-coin
contribution that each person
would give toward communal
funds and needs.
So many outstand-
ing and inherent life
messages about being a
part of a community are
embedded in this short
reading. The parshat
teaches that it is neces-
sary to belong to a com-
munity even if it entails
spending money.
The fact that each per-
son, regardless of social
standing or other contri-
butions, was required to
give the same amount,
a half-shekel coin, tells
us that each of us has
equal responsibility toward our
community. When we all come
together, each of us with our
own talents, perspective and
individuality, we create an inclu-
sive, harmonized community.
It is that harmony that I
would like highlight. On one
hand, I need to recognize the
half-coin perspective and mes-
sage, namely that of humility.
Humility is not thinking less
of oneself; rather it is thinking
of oneself less. It is not viewing
myself as less than or not good
enough, that I am only worth
half a coin; rather it is a mes-
sage to me to spend less time
focusing on my half of the coin
and spend more time thinking
about that other half, namely the
community.
Second, there is no complete
community without my half-
coin. The Talmud (Sanhedrin
4:5) tells us, bishvili nivra
Ha’
olam, the world was created
for me. Just as a puzzle is incom-
plete missing even a single piece,
so, too, our community cannot
be complete without you. No
matter your level of skill,
talent, financial contri-
bution, social standing or
anything else; we can’
t do it
without you. In the theme
of Parshat Shekalim, we
need your half-coin.
I think we need to take
a step back and realize this
is true about every one of
us. Just as the community
is dependent on each of us
to complete the picture, it
is incumbent upon each of
us to identify which puzzle
pieces are lacking or out of
place within our communi-
ty and help them find their
fit. Not only for their sake, or for
our responsibility to them, but
for ourselves.
After all, it’
s our picture, too,
that is missing their light. Just
as in a symphony, every instru-
ment is lacking when one is off
tune. When any one person in
our community feels isolated
and alone, our whole communi-
ty experiences this.
This is why Parshat Shekalim
is always read before we start the
Jewish month of Adar. Adar is
known as the month of happi-
ness; but one of the key founda-
tions of joy is that of community
and belonging. Happiness is not
a destination; rather it’
s a way to
live life. The way of life that is
the foundation to happiness is
one where everyone belongs.
Rabbi Yarden Blumstein is the teen
director at Friendship Circle in West
Bloomfield.
Parshat
Mishpatim:
Exodus
21:1-24:18;
Jeremiah
34:8-22;
33:25-26,
(Shabbat
Shekalim)
Rabbi Yarden
Blumstein
We’re All Pieces
of the Puzzle
PHOTO CREDIT JERRY ZOLYNSKY
To shine the public spotlight on young people in our
community, the JN, Jfamily and the Youth Professionals
Network created Rising Stars: Teens Making a Difference, a
showcase that will highlight 18 remarkable Jewish teens in
the Metro Detroit area. Those selected will be featured in
the April 30 issue of the JN and will also be recognized on
the JN, JCC and Jfamily social media pages.
Nominees must live in Michigan, identify as Jewish and be
students in grades 9-12; they can be self-nominated or may
be nominated by others today through March 8.
Nominees should be recognized for impact, contribution
and/ or achievement in areas including (but not limited) to:
SEEKING
TERRIFIC TEENS!
To nominate yourself or a teen you know, go to
thejewishnews.com and click on the Rising Stars button or to
https://jfamily.jccdet.org/rising-stars. The deadline is March 8.