Shekel

The shekel is a basic unit of weight and currency that has been used in the ancient Near East. The word "shekel" comes from the Akadian word šiqlu, which means "weight". In Hebrew, it is written as שקל (pronounced "shekel"). The shekel was a unit of weight used in various ancient societies, including the Israelites, and was later adopted as a currency. The modern Israeli new shekel (Hebrew: שקל חדש ישראלי, abbreviated as NIS) is the currency of Israel today. The shekel has also been used in other contexts, such as the Jordanian dinar, which is divided into ten shekels (Arabic: شاقل). Historically, the shekel has been a significant unit of measurement and currency in the region, reflecting its enduring importance in trade and commerce.