Moshiach: Turning Anticipation Into Action

Years of research led him to focus on one particular mitzvah that will immediately become relevant with the coming of Moshiach: Machatzis HaShekel.

In 5751 (1991), Rabbi Yossi Keller presented the Rebbe with an updated edition of “the Rambam’s laws of the Beis HaMikdash”, incorporating suggestions that the Rebbe made on an earlier edition.

During that encounter, the Rebbe instructed Rabbi Keller to prepare to rule on the Mitzvos that will be re-instituted when Moshiach comes.

On Shabbos Parshas Vayigash 5747 (1987), the Rebbe issued a powerful call:

“Stand ready, all of you, for the rebuilding of the future Beis HaMikdash with the Moshiach of coming
עמדו הכן כולכם לבנין בית המקדש העתיד בביאת דוד מלכא משיחא

For Rabbi Keller, this raised a simple but profound question:

What does it mean to be ready?

Years of research led him to focus on one particular mitzvah that will immediately become relevant with the coming of Moshiach: Machatzis HaShekel.

The day Mohiach arrives, we will start bringing Korbonos Tzibur (Communal Sacrifices), even if the Beis Hamikdosh is not yet fully rebuilt.

The Rambam (א הלכה יא פרק מלכים הלכות (writes that not only must one believe
that Moshiach will ultimately come, but he must also anticipate Moshiach coming
today, שיבוא יום בכל לו אחכה. Knowing the concrete positive changes that will take
place when Moshiach comes, helps us anticipate Moshiach coming today. The
Rebbe challenged us to go one step further: to be prepared.

The Machatzis HaShekel coin is a tangible expression of that preparation. It
transforms the abstract hope into concrete action.

Following extensive research into the precise weight of the Shekel according to
Rashi and Rambam, the Machatzis Hashekel is now available for purchase at
chatzishekel.com. Each coin has the accurate weight of a quarter of a troy ounce
of pure silver and has been minted to an exact standard for correctly fulfilling the
Mitzvah. Use code COL for a $10 discount.

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