Weekly Message 02.13.2026 Parashat Mishpatim
- jccwestpasco
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
Parashat Miishpatim (Ordinances) Exodus 21:1 - 24:18
2nd Torah - Shekalim Exodus 30:11 - 16
HafTorah - Kings II 11:17 - 12:17
Dear friends,
This Shabbat we begin a series of four special ones before Passover all intended (in addition to our continuous readings from the Book of Exodus) to help prepare us for the festival. On this Shabbat Shekalim, we read from two Torahs, the second of which describes the obligation of every Israelite to contribute a half-shekel for the maintenance of the mishkan (the portable tabernacle). And in later years, as evidenced from the special Haftorah that we read on this special Shabbat (II Kings 11:17-12:17), the half-shekel obligation paid for the upkeep of the Temple in Jerusalem. Because the financial obligations were recorded, this also facilitated the compilation of a census of the Hebrew (male) population. In those Temple days, the annual tax was collected during the month of Adar which this year begins on Monday night. Thus we observe it on the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh.
Between now and Pesach, there will be three additional special Shabbatot—Zachor, Parah, and HaChodesh. Stay tuned on more information on those observances as we approach them!
Our weekly Torah reading this Shabbat is from the portion of Mishpatim in the Book of Exodus. We will read the first triennial (21:1-22:3) which begins a series of civil mitzvot which cover many aspects of our lives. Our portion will cover human rights including the treatment of servants, legal compensation, criminal punishment, and civil compensation. In the later part of the Sedrah which we will not be reading this year, but which is so relevant to today's world, we are exhorted to show kindness towards and to protect the stranger, for we were strangers in Egypt.
Please join me at our Shabbat service this evening (Friday) at 7 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am as we explore these themes and worship together either in-person or virtually on Zoom. And please take note of the upcoming activities as listed below and join your fellow congregants as we worship and study together and enjoy each other's company.
Shabbat Shalom!
Ron Becker,
Spiritual leader
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ZOOM LINKS: FRI AND SAT:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Services 2/13 @ 7:00 pm, 2/14 @ 9:30 am
Time: This is a recurring meeting Fri & Sat
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
Join instructions
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COMING EVENTS- Mark you calendar
Thursday, February 19 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK Note date change!
Saturday, February 21 We will celebrate Ron Becker's Bar Mitzvah anniversary and Chris Becker's birthday with a Kiddish luncheon immediately after morning services. All are invited to help celebrate together as a synagogue family and all are encouraged to sponsor festive meals to honor special life cycle events. For this luncheon, we will be reviving our home made cholent casserole!
Monday, March 2 We will be celebrating the joyous holiday of Purim on Monday, March 2nd beginning with a social hour (with lots of Hamantaschen and ice cream) at 6 pm and followed by the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther) at 7 pm.
Sunday, March 8 We will be hosting a lecture by Nancy Sinkoff, Professor of Jewish Studies and Academic Director of the Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life at Rutgers University at 2 pm. Her topic is "Did American Jews Ever Agree About Israel" and the talk will be followed by a reception in the Spigelman Room featuring delicious desserts crafted by our own Megan Hochstadt of "Meganables Edibles". The program is sponsored by the Rutgers University Foundation and will be open free of charge to the public. It will be a unique opportunity for us to hear from a distinguished scholar on a critical topic that concerns us all and attract Rutgers alums to our synagogue.
Sunday, March 22 We will host a large "flea market" style event in the parking lot of the synagogue between 9 am and 3 pm which will feature many vendors selling a variety of goods with food and drink available and a chance to share an event with old friends and make new ones! Admission is free, and booths are available for vendors at a cost of $20. Anyone who is interested in being a vendor should contact the office at 727-847-3814.
Tuesday, March 24 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK
Thursday, April 2 We will hold our annual Passover seder at 3 pm. Details to follow soon!
Tuesday, April 14 We will observe Yom HaShoah at 6 pm at the New Port Richey City Hall at 5919 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652 with the annual proclamation and presentations of the Mayor and City Council.
Saturday, April 25 We are cosponsoring the annual African American Club Scholarship dinner at Seven Springs Country Club at 3535 Trophy Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655 just off Little Road. All are encouraged to attend this important community fundraising event.
Sunday, May 3 Please save the date to attend the gala Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast Women of Distinction celebration. This year we honor Ana Calderon for all that she has done for our synagogue and the community. Details on location, time, and cost to follow!
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