NAALEH.COM and YU TORAH Purifying Passion Parshat Para By: Mrs. Shira Smiles

Beginning before Rosh Chodesh Adar, there are four special Shabbat Torah readings leading up to Pesach. Before Rosh Chodesh Adar we read Parshat Shekalim where we are each commanded to donate a half shekel to the Mishkan/Beit Hamikdosh. This is followed on the Shabbat immediately preceding Purim with the reading of Parshat Zachor in which we are to remember unto perpetuity all that Amalek did to us and to erase their memory from the face of the earth. Then, on the Shabbat preceding blessing the new moon of Nissan, we read Parshat Parah about the red heifer and the purifying function of its ashes. Finally, on the Shabbat we usher in the New Moon of Nissan, we read Parshat Hachodesh wherein Hashem instructs Moshe and shows him how to sanctify the new moon and to prepare for the Passover sacrifice. While our discussion will focus mainly on Parshat Parah, we will also note how these four seemingly separate Chapters and Shabbatot are connected. Click here for Summary by Channie Koplowitz Stein.