Weekly Message 03.13.2026 Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei
- jccwestpasco
- 1 hour ago
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Parashat Vayakhel (and he gathered) Pekudei (amounts of) Exodus 35:1 - 40:38
2nd Torah Parashat Hachodesh - Exodus 12:1-2020
Dear friends,
Thanks to all who made last Sunday's informative and inspirational presentation by Professor Nancy Sinkoff, Academic Director at the Rutgers University Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life and the reception that followed. We were not only able to delve deeply into the centuries old debate on a Jewish state (thus fulfilling our missions of study as well as prayer) but we met Rutgers alums from throughout our region and introduced them to our congregants. Coincidentally, one of the participants was a high school classmate of mine who I hadn't seen in many years! I hope that we can continue to host programs such as this for ourselves and for the community.
As we near the Passover holiday, we continue our preparations with the observance of Shabbat HaChodesh, the Sabbath coming directly before (and sometimes directly on) the new month of Nisan. This year Rosh Chodesh Nisan occurs on March 18/19 and represents renewal, redemption, and miracles. This Shabbat, we complete the reading of the Book of Exodus and (from a second Torah, Exodus 12:1-20) we chant the description of the first Pesach as the Israelites prepared to leave Egypt. This includes the eating of the Pascal Lamb sacrifice with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. As indicated in our Luach Hashanah (guide to prayers, readings, laws, and customs) these passages connect us to our ancient past and prod us to accelerate our preparations for Passover now just 2-1/2 weeks away! Our Haftorah from the Prophet Ezekiel (45:16-46:18) describes his imagination of the Passover rituals to be held in the restored Temple in Jerusalem
So let's gather together this Shabbat, tonight at 7 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:30 am in prayer and study to intensify our preparations for Passover and complete the Book of Exodus as a community. Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazeik! Be strong, be strong, and take courage! !חֲזַק חֲזַק וְנִתְחַזֵּק And please help support your synagogue as well as your Jewish community by attending as many of the activities as you are able outlined below!
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
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***** COMING EVENTS*****
Saturday, March 14 We will host a game night party at 7 pm at the synagogue. Bring your own games or just yourselves to enjoy an evening of fun, good company, and refreshments!
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 First Day of Pesach religious services at 9:30 am including the annual prayer for dew, precious dew מוריד הטל Followed by the Annual Community Passover Seder at 3 pm. 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. We will carpool from the synagogue. All are encouraged to attend this important community fundraising event. See the flyer.
Sunday, May 3 Please plan 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. The event will begin at 1 pm. Please register at Women of Distinction - Reaching New Summits | Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast The cost is $36/person for the program and reception, and we will carpool from the synagogue.
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