Parshat Vayakhel  Shabbat Shekelim (II Kings 12:1-17) March 1, 2003

The term “bedek habayit” has an interesting history. In the period of the monarchy, this term referred to “cracks” in the walls. Later on this term came to refer to the fund used to maintain the physical plant  of an institution. Rabbi David Kimche, the 13th century Provencal commentator, provides the historical background into King Jehoash’s involvement in how the priests in the Temple used the funds in the Temple. He explains, based on the parallel passage in book of 2nd Chronicles (chapter 24): “Jehoash decided to renovate the House of God because it needed repair because of the damage done to it by Athaliah the idolatrous daughter of King Omri and her sons. Otherwise the Temple would have stood without repair since it was built well only about 155 year beforehand. This is why Jehoash set about to repair it and collect money for this purpose.” (adapted translation)

The sums of money used here for repairs , according to Kimche, were not an exceptional expense. Where did the funds come from for these added expenses? Kimche explains that the people came  with funds that they had previously owed but had been negligent in paying. When they heard of the special needs of the Temple they “paid their past dues”. Isn’t it often the case that people ignore ongoing responsibility and only come through in the crunch. Response in times of emergency is obviously important, but we should not rule out the importance and virtue of continuity. This is one of the lessons of the mitzvah of “machtzit hashekel” - the half shekel tax” which each of us was commanded to give each year.