When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, each Jew contributed an annual half-shekel to the Temple coffers. In commemoration, the Torah reading this Shabbat is supplemented with the verses that relate G-d's commandment regarding the giving of this half-shekel.
We, too, give a commemorative half shekel to charity—on the Fast of Esther.
The first step to achieve personal redemption is via charity. Kindness, charity and selflessness are vital ingredients in a person's quest for spirituality, but why would charity be the starting point?
Our life's-blood goes into every penny we earn. When we take part of this and give it away to charity, we are demonstrating that we are willing to give our very essence to G-d. This thereby brings meaning and significance into our entire work week.
Our sages say that "Charity is equal to all other mitzvot combined"! Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (the Alter Rebbe) explains that whereas every mitzvah is designed to introduce holiness into a specific part of our being, the charity has the ability to sanctify our entire being. It elevates the entire labor which netted the earnings, and the entire individual who toiled – physically and/or mentally – for this livelihood.
In order to start the process of redemption, it is first necessary to take the major step of infusing the whole day with an aura of holiness. Only then can we successfully confront all the struggles and tribulations which we will certainly encounter on this challenging yet rewarding journey. Charity has the ability to suffuse the most mundane business meeting with holy purpose.
Additionally, let us bear in mind that one never loses by giving charity. In the words of the prophet Malachi (3:10): "Bring all the tithes into the treasury so that there may be nourishment in My House. Test Me, if you will, with this, says the L-rd of Hosts, [see] if I will not open for you the windows of the heavens and pour down for you blessing until there be no room to suffice for it."
Not a bad deal, eh?
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