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.