by Yehuda HaKohen – Men of Israel, regardless of their financial standings, were called upon to each contribute a half shekel towards the upkeep of the Mishkan. The identical participation from the entire Hebrew Nation teaches that we are all equally responsible for advancing Israel’s mission of bringing humankind to perfection through the awareness of HaShem as the timeless ultimate Reality without end that creates all, sustains all, empowers all and loves all.