Weekly Message 03.27.2026 Parashat Tsav

Parashat Tsav (command) Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36

HafTorah Jeremiah 7:21 - 28, Jeremiah 9:22 - 23

Moses Dressing Aaron in the Priestly Garments

Dear friends,

As we approach Shabbat Hagadol, the "great" Sabbath immediately preceding the festival of Passover, we are completing an entire season of preparation for the holiday. And in the meantime, we were able to enjoy Sunday's flea market/craft show thanks to the efforts of Debbi Robinson and many others. It was great to meet old friends and make new ones at the very enjoyable event. And then on Monday, Chris and I attended the festivities at the Chasco Fiesta which featured many Native American musical and dancing acts, dozens of vendors and food trucks, and historical narratives which included a one-woman play on the history of New Port Richey and the Cotee River. It was altogether an outstanding week! Please join Chris and me at our home tomorrow (Saturday) immediately after Shabbat services for a Chasco Boat Parade party and a chance to share any Chometz that you still need to discard before Pesach. More than 40 boats will be on their way down the river right in front of our home beginning at 1 pm.

As for Shabbat Hagadol itself, this special day commemorates the miracle of Passover as we anxiously await its beginning. We read a special Haftorah from the Prophet Malachi (3:4-24) which he announces the coming of Elijah the Prophet. The Passover rituals remind us of the redemption of the Hebrew nation of the past whereas Malachi speaks of the redemption of the future when all will be delivered from all oppression both physical and spiritual. Elijah is regarded as the advance messenger who will appear on Passover and announce the dawn of this messianic era. We will welcome Elijah at our seders with a special cup of wine and open our doors to welcome him into our midst. So please join me for this emotional reading and for our Shabbat services this evening at 7 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:30 am both in-person and virtually on Zoom as usual.

Then for Passover itself, please make every effort to help make the minyan for our religious service which begins at 9:30 am on Thursday, April 2nd and includes the prayer for dew which we will then chant daily until Shemini Atzeret in October. This prayer is so significant that I will be wearing a Kittel (white robe) while reciting it. Also, I have Yahrzeit for my beloved Uncle Sol of blessed memory who fittingly died on the first day of Passover as he led our family Pesach seder for many years and will always be remembered for that. We need to have a minyan in order to chant the Kaddish prayer, so your attendance is very much appreciated! I very much look forward to seeing you at the service and of course at the community Passover seder that follows!

There are so many activities happening at your shul this spring so please consult the calendar below and plan to be an active participant! Shabbat Shalom and Chag Pesach Sameach. May you have a Zisser (sweet) and Kosher Passover!

Ron Becker,

Spiritual Leader

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ZOOM LINK FOR FRI & SAT:

Click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4979030958?pwd=YXJPT2FGVTdzVVV2bVQ3c1ZnS1lMZz09&omn=82115180701 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.

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COMING EVENTS - MARK YOU CALENDARS

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.

Saturday, April 4 We will observe Shabbat Chol Hamoed (Intermediate days of Pesach) with the chanting of Shir HaShirim, the Song of Songs as services beginning at 9:30 am.

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.

Thursday, April 9 We will observe the last day of Passover with services beginning at 9:30 am which will include the Yizkor (Memorial) prayers.

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 below.

Thursday, April 30 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

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.

Thursday, May 21 We will gather on Zoom for our Annual Erev Shavuot study night held jointly with Temple Beth David at 7 pm. Each presenter will speak for 10-15 minutes followed by discussion. Please consider leading a session on any religious, historical or cultural topic. Zoom link to be provided.

Friday, May 22 We will observe the first day of the holiday of Shavuot with services at 9:30 am including the chanting of the poem Akdamut followed by the reading of the Ten Commandments. Then at our evening service at 7 pm, we will read excerpts from the Book of Ruth.

Saturday, May 23 We will observe the second day of the holiday of Shavuot with services at 9:30 am including the Yizkor Memorial Service, the last one before Yom Kippur.

Tuesday, May 26 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/1L1BLIKase