Mishpatim/Sheqalim: Why proclaim the Sheqel in Adar
by Rabbi Ya'aqob Menashe
From A Torah Minute http://www.atorahminute.com/
Wehaya Ki Yis'aq Elai we Shama'ti Ki Hannun Ani (It it shall come to pass when you cry out unto me, I shall hear, because I am compassionate).
Prayer must be said in happiness. If a person prays with joy, his prayer is accepted willingly (BeRason). Whenever the term "Wehaya" is used, it denotes happiness. That is why when it says "And it shall come to pass (Wehaya) when you cry out to me", we learn that when a person cries out to G-d in prayer, his prayers will be accepted.
This is why Razal said that on the first of Adar a proclamation is made concerning the giving of the half Sheqel (Mahasith Hasheqel) for the Beth Hammiqdash (Temple). Maran z"l brought down as Halakha in the Shulhan 'Arukh" "Mishenikhnas Adar, Marbim Besimha" (from when Adar starts, we increase our happiness). Since every Miswah (commandment) performed with happiness is accepted more readily, it is most important to perform the commandment of the Mahasith Hasheqel (half Sheqel) in the month of Adar when the Jewish people increase their happiness. That is why the proclamation of the Sheqalim is made on the first of Adar.
(See Addereth Eliyahu, Parashath Mishpatim)
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