SPECIAL SHABBAT - SHABBAT SHEKALIM

SPECIAL SHABBAT - SHABBAT SHEKALIM

Andre Widodo

© ORI 

Shalom,

4 special Shabbatot occur just before the start of spring. They are 2 Shabbatot before the feast of Purim and 2 Shabbatot before the feast of Pesach (Passover). In addition to the Shabbat immediately before the feast of Pesach (Passover) is called Shabbat HaGadol.

There will be 4 additional Torah readings ("Arba Parashiyot", or the "four portions") and they are will be read on each of these Shabbatot in preparation for the beginning of mo'adim (appointed feasts). 

The names of these 4 Shabbatot are: 

1.) Shabbat Shekalim (4-5 Mar, 2016),

2.) Shabbat Zachor (18-19 Mar, 2016),

3.) Shabbat Parah(1-2 Apr, 2016), and 

4.) Shabbat HaChodesh (8-9 Apr, 2016).

The Shabbat immediately before Pesach, Shabbat HaGadol 15-16 Apr, 2016.

The first is called "Shabbat Shekalim (שבת שקלים)", which means "the Shabbat of Shekels."

Shabbat Shekalim occurs just before the month of Adar begins during non-leap years (or before the month of Adar II during leap years).  

An additional Torah  reading (Exodus 30:11-16) is read to the regular Torah reading that describes the contribution of a half-shekel for the construction and upkeep of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).  

Shabbat Shekalim begins at sundown on Fri, 04 March 2016 (25th Adar I, 5776).

Shabbat Shekalim - שבת שקלים

Torah Portion: Exodus 30:11-16 

Haftarah: II Kings 12:1-17