Parshas
Ki Thisa opens with a mitzvah as to how to perform a census of the nation of
Israel. A simple head count is forbidden, rather a half a shekel is to be taken
from each person and the money is to be used for religious purposes. A count of
the money will easily disclose the number of people. The word used for the
donation is כפר נפשו literally atonement
for his life. The Chumash adds this procedure is to be followed so there will
not be a plague among them. Rashi comments that a census can be taken whenever
it is desired. He explains that this procedure is necessary because the evil eye
rules on Israel specifically when they are being counted and brings as an
example the census taken by King David and the resulting plague (see 2 Shmuel
24).
In
the story of the plague during the reign of King David the Tanach says that
Hashem was simply angry at Israel. Rashi comments that we do not know why. In
any case a national census is used there as an incitement for punishment. The
Kli Yakar also develops the idea that the evil inclination instigates at the
time of a census. He explains that when the population total is given there is
room for the administering angels of the nations to protest saying, what
greatness and esteem is present in Israel so that they should have such a
[respectable] number, these serve idols and these serve idols. As a result to
rescue them from this evil eye the count is made by means of charitable
contributions. There is another reason why precisely a donation of half a
shekel is required of all being counted. If the rich were permitted to give
more, there would be room for them to be conceited in regards to the poor. As a
result they would be exhibiting a bad characteristic at a time of judgment.
The
Kli Yakar continues that an aspect of the count is to imbue the nation as a
whole and each and every individual with the Shechina (presence of Hashem) and
the providence of heaven. In connection with this an accounting is made of each
person’s merits and failings. However in some cases the merits will not
outweigh the failings. Because the census is a time of taking stock it is also
an apt time for retributions. For this reason retributions are also exacted at
this time for the sin of the golden calf.
In
regards to the golden calf the Jerusalem Talmud (Shekelim 6a) brings two
reasons why the Chumash specifies specifically half a shekel. One reason is
because the nation sinned when they did not wait a half a day for Moshe to
return from Mount Sinai. The other reason is that the people violated the Ten
Commandments and a half a shekel weighs ten geras. The Mechilta gleefully in
wonder gushes, “Come and see the mercy of He Who spoke and there was a world,
concerning flesh and blood, that a man can redeem himself with money”. In
essence the sin of the golden calf was a sin of disloyalty to the faith. The
half shekel donation is for sacrifices in the Temple which are specifically expressions
of devotion to religion. Therefore this act of charity is an act of repentance.
The
basic message seems to be that there are times when people either as
individuals or as a nation take stock of themselves. These tend to be happy
times because virtues and accomplishments are showcased. Unfortunately these
virtues and accomplishments may arouse jealousy in others. In addition there
will also be shortcomings both present and ancient. As a result such
accountings should be carried out modestly and using a method that is
noticeably benevolent.
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Acknowledgements
to websites: תורת
אמת, וויקיטקסט, http://dictionary.reference.com/,
http://hebrewbooks.org/,
לע"נ, האמה ,מלכה בת
חיים ז"ל נלב"ע ט"ז ניסן תשנ"ח
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