Years and names shown in product images are for sample display only.

Each certificate is individually updated according to the year the order is received, including the corresponding Jewish year (for example: 2026 / 5786).

The recipient’s name will be personally added to the designated name area on the certificate.

Every certificate is:

• Individually numbered
• Officially counted and documented
• Recorded by the Sanhedrin Initiative and the Temple Treasury

These records are maintained to preserve authenticity and to include the names of contributors in prayers offered in Israel on their behalf.

Machatzit HaShekel today is given as a zecher (remembrance) to the half-shekel that every Jew was obligated to give in the time of the Beit HaMikdash. The original mitzvah appears in Shemot 30:11–16, and the Rambam explains in Hilchot Shekalim 1:1 that this was an annual communal tax used for the Temple service. Since the Temple is not standing, what we give today is a custom established by Chazal and later Poskim, connected to Purim and the month of Adar.

The main and most accepted time to give Machatzit HaShekel is on Ta’anit Esther, before Mincha. This is brought by the Rema (Orach Chaim 694:1) and explained by the Mishnah Berurah (694:4–5). The reason is that the original shekalim were collected in Adar, and giving them before Purim also serves as a spiritual counterweight to the shekalim Haman offered to Achashverosh.

If a person cannot be in shul on Ta’anit Esther, the earliest time he may give is from Rosh Chodesh Adar. This is stated by the Magen Avraham (694:2) and clarified by the Mishnah Berurah (694:4), who writes explicitly that one who knows in advance he will miss the fast may give earlier in Adar. The Kaf HaChaim (694:21–22) agrees, adding that it is preferable to give closer to Purim, but it is fully acceptable to give earlier in Adar when needed.

If someone did not give before Mincha on Ta’anit Esther, he may still give any time during Purim itself. This is brought by the Mishnah Berurah (694:5) and the Kaf HaChaim (694:25). Even though the ideal time passed, the custom is not lost.

The amount given is based on the fact that the word terumah appears three times in the Torah section of the half-shekel. Therefore, the custom is to give three half-coins of the local currency, or their equivalent. This is brought by the Rema and the Magen Avraham (694:2). In Israel, many use three half-shekel coins. Some people are stringent and give the value of half a biblical shekel in silver (around 9–10 grams), but this is a chumra, not required, as explained by the Mishnah Berurah (694:5) and Kaf HaChaim (694:20).

As for who gives, the original Torah obligation applied to men from age 20, but today the widespread custom is that men from bar-mitzvah age (13) give. This is stated by the Rema and Mishnah Berurah (694:5). Women are not obligated, but many give voluntarily. Regarding children, once a father begins giving on behalf of a minor, he should continue doing so every year, as brought by the Rema.

Many people have the custom to give for themselves, their wife, and each child, though this is a minhag and not an obligation. This practice is mentioned by the Kaf HaChaim (694:27).

The money should be given to tzedakah, such as poor individuals, Torah institutions, or communal needs, and not used for personal purposes. This is discussed by the Magen Avraham and Mishnah Berurah.

Finally, when giving — especially if giving early — it is proper to verbalize the intent and say:
“Zeh zecher leMachatzit HaShekel.”
This is recommended by the Kaf HaChaim (694:23).

SHIPPING & ORDER FULFILLMENT

All orders begin processing immediately upon receipt.
Items are prepared and shipped during the same business week the order is received.

Once shipped:
• A tracking number will be provided
• A confirmation email will be sent to the buyer
• Tracking information will be updated promptly

Physical items are shipped to the address provided at checkout.

CUSTOM & PERSONALIZED ITEMS

This order includes custom-made and personalized items.

Certificates are:
• Individually designed
• Personally counted and documented
• Customized per order
• Delivered digitally in high-resolution quality via email

Because of the custom nature of this order, returns are not available once production has begun.

PHYSICAL ITEM DELIVERY

Temple Coins and Shofars are shipped physically.

• Temple Coins and Shofars are mailed to the recipient’s provided address
• Items are carefully packaged to ensure safe delivery
• Tracking details are provided once shipped

ORIGIN & AUTHENTICITY

All items are produced, documented, and shipped through:

The Sanhedrin Initiative
Nation of Ephraim – Golan Embassy
Holy Land of Israel

Temple Coins:
• Handmade
• Individually minted
• Produced by the Nation of Ephraim community
• Directly support the Sanhedrin Initiative

Shofars:
• Handmade in the Golan Heights
• Crafted using traditional methods
• Selected for quality, sound, and craftsmanship

All products are made to the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If an order is placed in error, cancellation is possible within 24 hours of purchase.

To cancel:
• Contact us through the website within 24 hours
• Orders already in production may not be eligible for cancellation

NON-DELIVERY & REFUND POLICY

If an item is not received:
• Contact us within 30 days of the order date
• After verification and confirmation of non-delivery
• A full refund will be issued to the buyer

We are committed to fair resolution and buyer protection.