Parashat Pedudei (amounts of) Exodus 38:21 - 40:38
HafTorah Kings I 7:51 - 8:21
Dear friends,
As we have now entered the joyous month of Adar 2, we complete the reading of the Book of Exodus with the description of the ornate vestments of the Priest and completion of the Holy Tabernacle and all that is contained within it. It is then dedicated and accompanies the children of Israel on their journey to the promised land and remains in use until being placed in the Temple in Jerusalem. So naturally we read about the dedication of the Temple by King Solomon in our weekly Haftorah from the Book of 1 Kings 7:51-8:21.
We will read and study both the Torah and Haftorah portions this evening at 7:30 pm and tomorrow morning at 9:30am, both in-person and virtually on Zoom.
TODAY is the last chance to RSVP for the West Pasco Baha'i Naw-Ruz celebration that we are hosting at our synagogue on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:30 pm. The program will include some background of Naw-Ruz and include prayers, Bahá'í readings, music and cultural aspects from the Middle East. A free-of-charge dairy/vegetarian dinner will be served following the program. Please join us for this latest joyous interfaith community event. To RSVP call or txt: 727-505-4821.
And now for our plans to celebrate the Purim holiday! There are four primary mitzvot relating to the observance of Purim:
____________________________________________________________
Mikra Megillah---all are required to listen to the reading of the Book of Esther which we will be fulfilling at 2 pm on March 24th both in-person and virtually on Zoom. If you are unable to attend in person and would like to follow along using the same prayer pamphlet that will be in the sanctuary, please stop by the synagogue or call Marie at the synagogue at 727-847-3814 so that she can mail them to you in time for the reading.
M'Tanot Levionim---To express our joy and appreciation for the deeds of Esther and Mordecai in saving our people from annihilation, we give gifts of food, drink, money, and clothing to those who are in need. We were saved in Shushan for a purpose and that is to help heal the world. At the JCC, we are fulfilling this mitzvot at the Metropolitan Ministries tent, but for those unable to do so, please consider making a monetary donation to Metropolitan Ministries, Feeding Tampa Bay, the Volunteer Way, or Mazon—A Jewish Response to Hunger or any charity of your choice that feeds the hungry and clothes the needy. Instructions on how to donate are provided at the end of my message.
Mishlach Manot---we express the joy of the holiday by delivering food and drink and good cheer to our family, friends and nature with Purim baskets and visitations, especially to those who are shut-in and unable to travel.
Sudat Purim---we celebrate with costume, noisemaking, and pure joy with a Purim party that this year will be held on Purim afternoon at 1 pm in-between our volunteering in the morning and the reading of the Megillah at 2 pm. Come prepared to enjoy Hamantaschen, ice cream, and other goodies and perhaps a "sip or two" of spirits!
So, as you can see, we have a beautiful holiday in store for all. We especially encourage participation of children, so bring along the kids! Chris and I are looking forward to spending Purim, Pesach and all of the Spring Yom Tovim and observances with you.
Shabbat Shalom,
Ron Becker,
Spiritual Leader
Organizations for donations during the Purim season:
Metropolitan Ministries https://www.metromin.org/get-involved/waystogive/
3214 US Highway 19
Holiday, FL 3469
(727) 937-3268
Feeding Tampa Bay https://www.feedingtampabay.org/
4702 Transport Dr Bldg #6
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 254-1190
The Volunteer Way https://www.thevolunteerway.org/
8061 Congress St
Port Richey, FL 34668
(727) 815-0433
Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger https://mazon.org/
15303 Ventura Blvd #1100
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(800) 813-0557
___________________________________________________________
FRIDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Service, Friday 03/15/2024 7:30 pm
Time: Mar 15, 2024 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
______________________________________________________
SATURDAY:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Saturday Service, 03/16/2024 9:30 amn
Time: Mar 16, 2024 09:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
Comments