 There were 13 donation boxes in the Beis hamikdash. Each box was designated for a specific collection, including; the annual half Shekel donations that were used to purchase the communal sacrifices, donations to purchase frankincense or wood for the Mizbeach, purchasing specific types of sacrifices, and general donations for the Temple upkeep.
The Mishna calls these boxes “Shofars”, because they were constructed like the shape of a Shofar. Just as a Shofar is narrow at the “mouthpiece” and becomes wider at the other end, these boxes were narrow at the top where the coins were inserted, and wider at the bottom. The reason for this was to make it difficult for someone to take money out of the box. But there is also a deeper message for us about the power of Tzedaka. The mystics associate the shape of the Shofar with the verse “from the narrowness I call out to You Hashem, answer me with expansiveness Hashem”. This verse is read before the blowing of the Shofar on Rosh Hashana. Blowing the Shofar from the narrow end represents our humility. When blown with this humility, Hashem answers us in an expansive measure. The same is true with Tzedaka. When we give Tzedaka, it might be with a small or "narrow" act or amount. But when given with sincerity and humility, this small act generates expansive blessings from Above. It also becomes magnified as the kindness is paid-forward. 13 is the numerical value of Echad, meaning one. Tzedaka creates oneness and unity amongst the Jewish people and it connects us with the oneness of Hashem. ************************* The Daily Beis Hamikdash Thought is an initiative of the MAOR Centre, Melbourne. Invite your friends and family to subscribe: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CpJdBpFrhNRDsyqhdxM4SH Find all posts and more Torah content at www.maor.com.au
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