Weekly Message 03.06.2026 Parashat Ki Tisa
- jccwestpasco
- 24 hours ago
- 5 min read
Parashat KiTisa ( When you take) Exodus 30:11 - 34:25
2nd Torah (Parah) Numbers 19:1-22
HafTorah Ezekiel 36:16-36
Dear friends,
What a wonderful week we have just had the opportunity to experience this past week. On Sunday, we attended an inspirational interfaith dinner sponsored by the Islamic community and included a delicious dinner to break the daily Ramadan fast and presentations from religious leaders of many faiths including ours. We came away convinced more than ever that there is so much more we have in common with all humanity and that we can set an example of understanding, friendship, and camaraderie in our region for the world to follow!
Then came our annual Purim celebration on Monday with our fill of delicious Hamantaschen, ice cream, and friendship as we enjoyed our social hour and the reading of the Megillah. We not only marked the holiday of Purim but initiated Women's History month by celebrating the heroine Esther.
We continue our many activities with the upcoming talk by Professor Nancy Sinkoff this Sunday at 2 pm. Please make every effort to attend because in addition to the lecture and the delicious desserts, there will be Rutgers alumni from throughout our region to whom we can introduce our synagogue community! All the activities for the entire spring season are detailed below. Hope to see you at many, if not all!
This Shabbat marks the third of the special ones to prepare us for Passover which will be here in just 4 weeks! Shabbat Parah represents the beginning of the more intensive preparations as we read from a 2nd Torah scroll (Bamidbar 19:1-22) which details the sacrifice of the red heifer פָּרָה אֲדֻמָּה a cow that was sacrificed as a purification ritual in biblical times so that all would be able to eat of the Pesach sacrifice at the Seder. Today, it is significant in that it reminds us that Passover is coming very soon and its time to get ready! The purification theme is continued with a special Haftorah authored by the Prophet Ezekiel. Although it seems archaic today, we can recall the old rituals, but at the same time, replace them with moral purification, i.e. good deeds, love of neighbor, and support of community.
For our weekly triennial Torah reading, we continue our journey through the Book of Exodus (30:11-31:17). Our reading concludes (31:16-17) with the familiar instruction to keep Shabbat as a sign of the Israelites' covenant with Hashem which we sing just prior to the Amidah on Friday nights, in the Amidah on Saturday morning, and as an introduction to the Shabbat mid-day Kiddush following our morning services.
וְשָׁמְרוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּת, לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּת לְדֹרֹתָם בְּרִית עוֹלָם.
בֵּינִי וּבֵין בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אוֹת הִיא לְעֹלָם, כִּי־שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִיוְשָׁמְרוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּת, לַעֲשׂוֹת אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּת לְדֹרֹתָם בְּרִית עוֹלָם.
בֵּינִי וּבֵין בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אוֹת הִיא לְעֹלָם, כִּי־שֵׁשֶׁת יָמִים עָשָׂה יְהוָה אֶת־הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֶת־הָאָרֶץ, וּבַיּם עָשָׂה יְהוָה אֶת־הַשָּׁמַיִם וְאֶת־הָאָרֶץ, וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי שָׁבַת וַיִּנָּפַשׁ
The people of Israel shall keep Shabbat,
observing Shabbat throughout the ages as a covenant for all time.
It is for a sign The people of Israel shall keep Shabbat,
observing Shabbat throughout the ages as a covenant for all time.
It is a sign for all time between Me and the people of Israel.
For in six days Adonai made heaven and earth,
and on the seventh day God ceased from work and was refreshed. It is a sign between Me and the people of Israel.
For in six days Adonai made heaven and earth,
and on the seventh day God ceased from work and was refreshed.
So as we prepare for Pesach, I wish you all a blessed and meaningful Shabbat Parah and look forward to seeing you at services tonight at 7 pm, tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am and at our major program on Sunday at 2 pm.
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
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ZOOM LINK FRO FRI & SAT:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Services 3/06 @ 7:00 pm, 3/07 @ 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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RUTGERS EVENT - SUNDAY MARCH 8, 2026 2:00 PM
Rutgers alumni, family, and friends are cordially
invited to a reception and talk with:
Dr. Nancy Sinkoff
Academic Director, The Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life, and Professor of Jewish Studies and History at Rutgers University
Sunday, March 8, 2026
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Jewish Community Center of West Pasco
9841 Scenic Drive
Port Richey, FL 34668
Register Here
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COMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Sunday, March 22 We will host a large "flea market/craft show" 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
Saturday, March 28 at 1 pm following Shabbat services. We will gather to view and celebrate the Chasco Boat Parade viewing on the Banks of the Cotee River at the parking area on Grand Boulevard between Vermont and Kentucky Avenues in New Port Richey.
Thursday, April 2 Annual Community Passover Seder. Call 727-847-3814 for further information and to make reservations.
Tuesday, April 7 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 one of the sponsors of the annual African American Club Scholarship dinner at 4 pm at the 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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