The pilgrims were to present the temple with a donation of half a sheqel (Exodus 30:11-16), equivalent to two Roman dinars or 130 Israeli prutot, as tribute for its up-keeping. This was purported to be the source of the temple's wealth. The half-sheqel tax was also collected regularly in the Diaspora and conveyed to Jerusalem before the holidays. Philo from Alexandria states that this was a joyful donation (The Special Laws 1, 142).