Preparations for Passover really began for us on Rosh Chodesh Adar, (the first of Adar), six whole weeks before the Seder night! The heads of our small town of Tsippori set up a table in the central market. Every household is required to contribute one half-shekel to the Holy Temple In Jerusalem. When the collection has been completed, our town leaders will appoint someone to bring the money to Jerusalem, where it will be handed over to the Temple treasurers. The money will be used throughout the coming year for the purchase of animals for the communal offerings.