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TO BE PC OR NOT TO BE

This week, in addition to reading the Parsha of Vayikra, we will read Parshas Hachodesh in honor of this Shabbos being Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Parshas Hachodesh is the chapter in the Torah where HaShem grants authority to His people, through our court system, to adjust the calendar. Within certain parameters the Beis Din, the Jewish court, can decide when the month should begin. Although HaShem decided that You Kippur will be on the 10th day of Tishrei, His people are the ones to decide when the first day of Tishrei will be. HaShem gave His control over time to the Jewish people! This is the very first mitzvah we received as a nation. The demonstration of His trust in us is awesome.

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THE DIRECT LINE

This week’s Parsha begins the third book of the Torah, the book of Vayikra. The name “Vayikra” is actually the first word of the Parsha, “Vayikra el Moshe…”. It means “And He called to Moshe and said to him…” referring to HaShem’s calling to Moshe to prepare himself for the forthcoming prophecy. The Talmud teaches us that this was the manner in which HaShem al-ways spoke to Moshe. He first called him and then began the message.