Rashi explains that Hashem showed Moshe a “fiery” likeness of the half-shekel coin. The Chachma Umusar explains this homiletically, as an allusion to the fire of devotion that must permeate our fulfillment of mitzvos. It is not sufficient to merely give one’s shekel. The significance lies in how it was given. Does one part with his coin with coolness or does he distribute it with the enthusiasm and joy which should be present in the performance of mitzvos? When a Jew keeps Shabbos but does it indifferently, without the warmth that should permeate an Oneg Shabbos, he will not be able to transmit this mitzvah to others, not even to his own children. This applies to other mitzvos as well. Upon being questioned regarding the lack of Shabbos observance among many second-generation American Jews, Rabbi Shraga Feivel Mendelowitz Z”l, responded, “Their parents observed Shabbos with mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice).” One must perform mitzvos ecstatic with the opportunity to serve Hashem. When one feels that serving Hashem is a hardship which he must endure, he conveys to his children a negative message. This applies in all areas of Jewish endeavor, including the performance of mitzvos, public service, and education. If one desires his shekel act to be accepted, it must glow with the fire of enthusiasm and zeal.
