At this time of year, there are four times when we read an extra section from the Torah on Shabbos in addition to the weekly Torah portion:
1. Parshas Shekalim – about the donation of the half-Shekel coin. It reminds us of the Mitzvah to donate a half-Shekel coin every year to the Beis Hamikdash, collected in the month of Adar. (This year it was read on 29 Adar I (March 9).)
2. Parshas Zachor – about remembering what the evil nation of Amalek did to us and the Mitzvah to wipe them out. It is connected to Purim because Haman was from Amalek. (This year it is read on the day before Purim, 13 Adar II (March 23).)
3. Parshas Parah – about the Red Heifer. The ashes of the red heifer were used to purify a person from contact with a dead body, a necessary preparation for visiting the Beis Hamikdash for the upcoming holiday of Passover – may we immediately be able to do this again in the Redemption through Moshiach! (This year it is read on 20 Adar II (March 30).)
4. Parshas HaChodesh – about the Mitzvah to sanctify the months according to the moon, starting from the month of Nissan, and about the Passover sacrifice. It is read on or close to the first of the month of Nissan, the month in which we celebrate Passover. (This year it is read on 27 Adar II (April 6).)
