Zecher Machatsit HaShekel translates to “in remembrance of the half shekel,” a practice that reminds the Jewish community of a core value embedded in the holiday of Purim: giving. Zecher Machatsit HaShekel began before 586 BCE when the Holy Temple in Jerusalem stood. It is known as a mitzvah, a commandment in Hebrew, to give shekels, or money, to those who are less fortunate. Today, we observe this commandment through donations to worthy causes, synagogues, or yeshivot (Jewish education institutions). One way you can engage in this mitzvah is attending a Tzedakah 4 Kids program at the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center. 

Tzedakah 4 Kids (T4K) events, funnels donations to the Robert E. Loup Scholarship Fund, making JCC Denver programs more accessible to children with financial need. A donation to the Robert E. Loup Scholarship Fund opens doors for families in need, providing access to transformative experiences like the Early Learning School, Ranch Camp, Camp Shai, Tennis Camp (Serve, Snack, and Splash), and the Maccabi Games. Courtney Jacobson, Chief Licensed Program Officer at the JCC Denver, explains that the Robert E. Loup Scholarship fund “creates opportunities for those who may not have the chance to go to camp or perform on the Elaine Wolf Theatre stage. These are enriching Jewish experiences that many children wouldn’t otherwise have.” 

To kick off T4K, the Purim Costume Exchange on Tuesday, February 24 will allow you to swap, shop, and save on Purim costumes. Then on Sunday, March 1, bring your family to the T4K Purim Carnival and Taylor Swift Purim shpiel. You won’t be able to help yourself as you “shake it off” at this dance party sing-along. In addition to the bounce house and beaded bracelet making, enjoy a professional Purim shpiel performed by the Denver Children’s Theatre actors. Tickets will be offered on a sliding scale price model from $9 to $27.  Just as Taylor sang in her Fearless album, “I don’t know how it gets better than this!” 

With your help, Tzedakah 4 Kids will continue to support more families in the learning, joy, and community that unfolds every day at the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center. Purim might be a celebration in which we are commanded to give gifts and drink wine with merriment. Yet the most important way to celebrate Purim is through the generosity of giving a half shekel.