Adat B'rit

The holiday of Purim (which is Hebrew for lots), is held on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. This year it begins at sunset Thursday, February 25 and ends at sundown Friday. Purim recounts the saving of the Jewish people from extermination by Haman, the advisor to the Persian king and a descendant of Amalek. It is a joyous holiday that is filled with lots of fun, costumes, noisemakers, and a Purim shpiel (play). Traditionally, the whole Megillah or Book of Esther is read, and people participate by clapping for the hero of the story, and booing for the villain. Chag Purim Sameach

Parashah T'rumah/Shabbos Zakhor: Sh'mot [Exodus] 26:1-30 Maftir: D'varim [Deuteronomy] 25:17-19 Haftorah: Sh'muel Alef [I Samuel] 15:2-34 B'rit Chadashah: Luke 8:22-39

In this weeks’ Parashah, T’rumah or contributions, instructions are given for the curtains, coverings, and the boards of the Tabernacle. It begins with the curtains of linen. Ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarns. They are to be made with cherubim worked into them by a skilled workman; the cherubim demonstrates this is modeled after G-d's heavenly dwelling. HaShem gives each measurement to be the same on both sides. The people were instruct...ed to carry out the instructions precisely as given, since it would be a representation of their commitment to HaShem. The Tabernacle was covered with skins dyed red, and covered with goat hides; these were stretched over a frame and crossbars made of acacia wood, and overlaid with gold. The Tabernacle was to be a holy space where we can develop a close relationship with HaShem. The building of the Tabernacle is as a reminder of the covenant between the people and their G-d. It is the building where the community gathers to study, pray, or do deeds of loving kindness. They are able to see, from every side, the Tabernacle standing in the midst of the camp, and the visible presence of the Sanctuary proves to them that G-d is with them at all times. It helps us to know that we are not estranged from G-d, but in intimate contact with the divine, and to ensure that there is a space where the words of Torah are kept alive.

Parashah Mish'patim/Shabbos Sh'kalim - Shabbat Service - 02.13.2021 Sh'mot [Exodus] 22:4-23:19