Torah Outreach Program Weekly Update
Candle Lighting: 6:03 PM
Havdalah (Motzei Shabbos): after 6:57 PM
This Week’s Sponsors
This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Rabbi Jay Neufeld
L’ilui Nishmas his father, Tzvi ben Yaakov Melech HaCohen, in honor of his 34th yahrzeit.
This week’s Shabbos Bags are sponsored by Mr. Brian Sosnow in honor of his wife Mimi’s birthday. May she continue to have much nachas from her children and grandchildren and continue her constant and devoted chesed.
This week’s Inspirational Video is sponsored by Dr. Mark Dennis
L’ilui Nishmas his father-in-law, Dov Berish Nochum ben Yehuda.
TOP News – Preparing for Purim
This week, Torah Outreach Program is completing our detailed study of the history and story of Purim as we prepare for the holiday itself.
Our residents are now looking forward to Purim with greater understanding. Learning the background, the mitzvos, and the meaning behind the day helps make the celebration personal and meaningful for the Jewish seniors we serve.
We are excited for our Second Annual TOP Purim Seudah, which will be held at Shaaray Tefila Synagogue in North Miami Beach. Bringing together seniors from multiple facilities for a shared Purim celebration is a highlight of our year.
You can support this important outreach while also entering for a chance to win $100,000 and 10 additional prizes. Please visit:
100kgoral.org/campaign/top
Your participation helps Torah Outreach Program continue providing Torah classes and Jewish connection to seniors throughout South Florida.
Parsha Outline – Tetzaveh
1st Aliya
The parsha begins with the command to use pure olive oil to light the Menorah. Aharon and his four sons are chosen as Kohanim. The basic garments of a Kohen included a turban, tunic, pants, and belt. The Kohen Gadol wore four additional garments: the Me’il (outer robe), Ephod (vest-like apron), Choshen (breastplate), and Tzitz (golden forehead plate). The Shoham stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, were set upon the shoulders of the Kohen Gadol.
2nd Aliya
The jeweled breastplate is described in detail, including its fastening to the Ephod. The breastplate contained twelve stones, each engraved with the name of one tribe.
3rd Aliya
The outer robe with its bells is described. The bells announced the presence of the Kohen Gadol as he entered the Beis Hamikdash. The golden forehead plate and the garments of all Kohanim are detailed. The special garments were woven from fine linen and threads that included strands of pure gold.
4th–6th Aliyot
The seven-day inauguration ceremony for the Kohanim is described, along with the consecration of the Mizbeach (Altar).
7th Aliya
The final vessel described is the inner golden Altar used for the daily incense offering, known as the Ketores. The preparation of the Menorah and the offering of the incense were sacred responsibilities of the Kohen Gadol.
Dvar Torah – The Shoham Stones and Our Unity
Among the garments of the Kohen Gadol were the two Avnei Shoham, the Shoham stones worn on his shoulders. Engraved on these stones were the names of the twelve shevatim, six on each stone.
The Mishkan was built as a sign of Hashem’s forgiveness after the sin of the Golden Calf. When Moshe broke the Luchos, it symbolized a break in the bond between Hashem, Moshe, the Torah, and the Jewish people.
The Shoham stones represented the restoration of that bond. The two stones symbolized the Luchos and the Torah, while the names engraved upon them represented the Jewish people. The Hebrew letters of the word “Shoham” can be rearranged to spell “Hashem” and can also be rearranged to spell “Moshe.” This teaches that our strength as a nation depends on maintaining our connection to Hashem, to His Torah, and to one another.
That unity remains essential for our survival and growth.
About Torah Outreach Program
Torah Outreach Program serves Jewish seniors across South Florida by providing consistent Torah learning and meaningful Jewish engagement.
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 would like more information about our Torah classes for seniors or how to participate, please call 305-773-0943.
Thank you, and have an over-the-TOP Shabbos and a very joyous Purim.
Rabbi Bodkins
