Temple Bookkeeping

The month of Adar was designated as the collection month for the half shekel, given at the time of the Temple.

Tables were set up all over the country by representatives of the Beit Hamikdash. It was an obligation on every male Jewish citizen, to make this contribution.

The funds were used for the upkeep of the Temple, and to pay for public sacrifices. These funds had to be completely spent by the end of the month of Adar. This means that the Temple treasurer, known as the Gizbar, had to do some careful financial planning.

At the beginning of the month of Adar, he needed to make an assessment as to whether there would be a surplus of Shekalim by the end of the month. If that was the case, he might decide to do some general repairs or refurbishment of the Temple with the excess funds.

The new Shekalim were set aside to begin to be used in the month of Nissan. There were always other donations given in the course of the year, that would go the general fund, known as “Bedek Habayit.”

It is interesting to learn how the Temple was managed and maintained. It was the house of worship for all of the Jewish people. Its beauty and splendor was a priority according to Jewish Law. This is why it was referred in the Torah as גאון עוזכם, “the pride of your strength. We must never stop longing to see it rebuilt speedily in our time.