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 had 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 coming of Dovid Malka Meshicha.”
(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 Moshiach arrives, we will begin bringing Korbanos Tzibur (communal sacrifices), even if the Beis HaMikdash is not yet fully rebuilt.

The Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Melachim, Perek 11, Halacha 1) writes that not only must one believe that Moshiach will ultimately come, but one must also anticipate Moshiach coming today:

אחכה לו בכל יום שיבוא

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 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 ANASH for a $10 discount code.

chatzishekel.com