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.

