Parashat Pekudei (amounts of) Exodus 38:21 - 40:38
2nd Torah Shabbat HaChodesh Exodus12:1 - 20
HafTorah Ezekiel 45:18 - 46:15, Samuel I 20:18, Samuel I 20:42
Dear friends,
As we approach this Shabbat HaChodesh, we are only two weeks from the celebration of the festival of Passover for which we have been preparing ever since we began reading the Book of Exodus and thru the previous special Shabbats of Shekalim, Zachor, and Parah, and the reading of the Book of Esther on Purim.
Now, as we approach the new month of Nissan and this special Shabbat HaChodesh, we will be truly prepared! This Shabbat, we begin our Torah readings with the last portion of the Book of Exodus, completing this chapter in our history in time for Passover. Much of the Pesach Haggadah is derived from Exodus so it is fitting that we complete it in time for the holiday. In the Sedrah of Pekudei, the exodus is completed with the final touches of the Mishkan and its contents and its dedication with the presence of Hashem. As we are reading the third and last triennial portion, we celebrate its completion with:
!חזק חזק ונתחזק "Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened"!
We observe Shabbat HaChodesh by reading from a second Torah (Exodus 12:1-20), the commandment to observe the rituals of Passover. Then we read a special Haftorah for this occasion authored by the Prophet Ezekiel who anticipates the Passover sacrifices that will take place in the restored Second Temple.
Please join me in-person or virtually on Zoom for Shabbat HaChodesh services tonight at 7:30 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am so we can observe this special day together as a minyan and a community.
Thanks to all who volunteered at Metropolitan Ministries with me on Thursday. And whether you have volunteered in the past or not, please consider joining us in our future monthly volunteer efforts there so that we can meet our quota.
And next week, Saturday, April 5th, after Shabbat services, Chris and I are hosting our annual Chasco Fiesta Boat Parade in front of our home Grand Boulevard on the Cotee River. We will provide beverages and snacks and encourage you all to bring any Chometz you would like to share as you prepare for Passover cleaning!
And please sign up right away (by Tuesday, April 1st) for our unique daytime Passover seder which will take place after our morning Yom Tov service (which will begin at 9:30 am) at approximately 12:30 pm on the 1st day of Passover, Sunday, April 13th. And children are very much invited! We need to know how many are coming to this celebratory event so that we can order the meals. If you are unable to afford the $36 price for adults, $18 for children, please let me know in confidence as it can be subsidized. Nobody should not attend due to finances!
Looking forward to spending this special time of year with you and wishing you a Guten Shabbas!
Ron Becker.
Spiritual Leader
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ZOOM LINK FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Services 03/28 @ 7:30 pm & 03/29 @ 9:30 am
Time: This is a recurring meeting for Friday and Saturday
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Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
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