B"H
Friday, Adar 21, 5785 / March 21, 2025
This Shabbat two Torah’s are removed from the ark to be read from. In the first Torah we read the regular weekly Parsha, Vayakhel. In the second Torah we read Parshat Parah – about the red Heifer.
In the first Torah we read that Moshe gathered the ENTIRE congregation in order to direct them about the building of the Mishkan – where G-d’s presence will rest among the Jewish people. A place where open miracles were in full view and where Jews were able to offer sacrifices to G-d.
The reading about the mitzvah of the red Heifer is the third of the four special Torah readings at this time of the year. Two readings are read before Purim (Shkalim & Zachor) and two (Parah & Hachodesh) after Purim in preparation for the holiday of Pesach. Parah Adumah is about the spiritual purification process for someone who became impure as a result of coming in contact with a dead body and thus is prohibited from entering the Beth Hamikdash (Holy Temple) and bringing a sacrifice.
Q.What is the connection between the reading of Parshat Parah Adumah and the holiday of Pesach?
A.In the days of the Holy Temple every Jew was supposed to share in the mitzvah of the Passover sacrifice. The process of the Para Adumah was to purify a Jew who was spiritual unclean, so that he too will be able to bring sacrifices. Being that every Jew had to have a share in the Pesach sacrifice and eat of its meat at the Pesach Seder, we read from the Torah about the spiritual purification process to be able to enter the Holy Temple and eat of the Pesach sacrifice.
Q. We don’t have the Holy Temple now and cannot bring any sacrifices. What’s the purpose of reading about the red Heifer, which cannot be done today?
A. If we cannot perform the mitzvah today, we can at least read about it from the Torah. In addition, we believe every day that Moshiach will come today, and the Holy Temple will be re-built. Thus, reading about the red Heifer confirms our strong believe in the coming of Moshiach each day and then we will be able to perform the required sacrifices in the Holy Temple.
Q. Why does the Torah emphasize that Moshe gathered the entire congregation in order to tell them about the construction of the Mishkan-Temple?
A. Our sages explain that Moshe wanted to impress upon them that the condition for the existence of the newly erected Mishkan and later the Holy Temple (Beth Hamikdash) is through unity amongst Jews – to be ALL together. Indeed, the Second Temple was destroyed due to the lack of unity amongst Israel, as told in the Talmud.
Thus, Moshe gathered all the people, men women and children, to impress upon them the importance of always being together as one people.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 6:50 / Shabbat ends: 7:55
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW