Torah Outreach Program Weekly Update
Candle Lighting: 6:03 PM
Havdalah: after 6:56 PM
This Week’s Sponsor
This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Mr. Alan Sakowitz in honor of his wife, Leah.
TOP News – Preparing for Purim
As we draw closer to Purim, we are reviewing the historical events that led up to the miracle. We are focusing on how the story of Purim appeared to unfold naturally, step by step, through what seemed like ordinary events.
That is why Purim resonates so deeply with us. Unlike open miracles, Purim reminds us that Hashem works behind the scenes. When we look closely, many of us can identify “Purim moments” in our own lives, times when what seemed random or coincidental was actually guided with purpose.
We encourage everyone to participate in this year’s $100,000 sweepstakes, which helps sponsor our Purim Seudah and Shabbaton. Your support allows Torah Outreach Program to continue bringing Torah learning and Jewish connection to seniors throughout South Florida.
To learn more and purchase a ticket, please visit:
100kgoral.org/top
Parsha Outline – Terumah
1st Aliya
Hashem commands the Jewish people to bring materials for building the Mishkan. These include gold, silver, copper, dyed wool, linen, animal skins, acacia wood, oil, spices, incense, and precious stones. The Aron (Ark) is described in detail.
2nd Aliya
The cover of the Ark and the Cherubim are detailed. The Shulchan (Table) and the Showbread are described.
3rd & 4th Aliyot
The Menorah and its utensils are described. The structure of the Mishkan, including beams, coverings, and decorative elements, is outlined.
5th Aliya
The Paroches, the curtain separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Mishkan, is described.
6th & 7th Aliyot
The copper Mizbeach (altar) and the outer enclosure of the Mishkan are detailed.
Dvar Torah – Why So Many Details?
This week’s parsha describes the building of the Mishkan, the portable Beis Hamikdash used during the Jewish people’s forty years in the desert. The Torah provides extremely detailed instructions for its construction.
This raises a question. The Torah was written for all generations, yet the Mishkan itself would never be rebuilt. Why do we need all these details?
The answer is that every detail teaches us something about life.
For example, the staves of the Aron were covered in gold and remained attached even during travel. Just as the staves supported the Aron that carried the Torah and were honored alongside it, so too those who support Torah are rewarded like those who learn and teach it.
Supporting Torah is not secondary. It is partnership.
About Torah Outreach Program
Torah Outreach Program provides consistent Torah learning and meaningful Jewish engagement to seniors across South Florida.
Our programs include:
- Bimonthly classes at The Peninsula in Pembroke Park and Eastside Active Living Center
- Weekly classes at Colonial Assisted Living facilities in West Palm Beach, Lauderhill, and Palm Beach
- A daily class at Congregation Shaaray Tefilah
- A weekly class on YouTube
- A weekly class on TorahAnytime
Our well-known Shabbos Bags program, delivered by students of Sha’arei Bina Torah Academy for Girls together with Mrs. Janessa Wasserman and her daughter Naomi, now reaches 80 seniors each week.
If you have questions about our senior Torah classes or would like to participate, please call 305-773-0943.
Thank you, and have an over-the-TOP Shabbos.
Rabbi Bodkins
