Reply To: Parsheh of the Week Interpretation

The correction above is incorrect should be Machtzis Hashekel 278 not 378.

The Daas Zekenim Mibaal Tosfas says that the women were rewarded with Rosh Chodesh because they gave to the Mishkan first before the men but they had to be forced to give to the aigel. In S”A
O”CH in the beginning of Siman 417 says that women have a practice not to work on Rosh Chodesh and it is a nice custom. On Chanukah they also have a custom not to work as long as the candles are burning, according to the Chasan Sofer, this commemorates the Yomim Tovim which are eight biblically as the Yevonim wanted to eliminate their practice. The women commemorate the lighting of candles for Yom Tov and the men light Chanukah candles to commemorate the miracle with the oil,