Lessons from the Four Parshiyot

Lessons from the Four Parshiyot

The first Vizhnitzer Rebbe explained the lessons of the Four Parshiyot as follows:

• Shekalim
  On this Shabbat we are supposed to achieve the ability to weigh (“shokel” means to weigh) our actions and realize that we haven’t really accomplished anything (compared with our potential).
• Zachor
  As a result of weighing one’s actions, one will destroy Amalek which represents arrogance.
• Parah
  This will enable one to achieve purity in one’s heart (represented by the Parah Adumah which enabled purification).
• HaChodesh
  One can then begin to serve G-d in a manner of constant renewal as represented by the reading of Hachodesh (which can be understood to mean “the renewal”).

This will lead one to the lesson of the Matzah, the bread of (spiritual healing) which we eat on Pesach, the seven weeks of purification of the counting of the Omer, and then on to the giving of the Torah.

As explained, the Shabbat (or Shabbatot) Hafsakah in this season enables one to implement these lessons in preparation for the next one.