Congregation Beit Shalom

A 100% VirJEWal Synagogue serving the needs of all backgrounds of the Jewish Community of
Central, NJ since 1983

Eli B. Perlman, Rabbi


Who is Congregation Beit Shalom?

Congregation Beit Shalom / Monroe Township is a unique Conservative Egalitarian Congregation. The difference between this and other congregations is that we are truly a family. We get together to pray, to learn, to laugh, to sing, to schmooze - and it is 100% VirJEWal. When someone is in need, we help each other in ways that continue to inspire everyone.

To attend VirJEWal Religious Services
Every Shabbat and Yom Tov Morning at
9:30 am Eastern Time on YouTube...

March 30, 2024 / 20 Adar II 5784
Shabbat Tzav / Parah:
Torah 1: Levit. 6.1-8.36.
Torah 2: Num. 19.1-22.
Haftorah:
Ashkenazi: Ezekiel 36.16-38
Sephardi: Ezekiel 36.16-36.

As the different sacrifices were enumerated in last week’s Sidra (Torah Reading), today we read more about these offerings, focusing on the duties of the priests. Certain parts are consumed by fire on the Mizbayach (altar), while other parts are to be eaten by the priests, and still others to be eaten by the person who brought the offering. To ensure the proper eating of them, the Torah gives us a short glimpse into rules of eating meat. We neither eat of a carcass of an animal that has died of Neveilah (natural causes) nor of one that is terefah (has been torn apart by wild beasts). Also, no blood may be consumed. The Sidra closes with the inauguration of Aaron into the Priesthood of Israel. Every Kohein who will ever live will be a direct descent of Aaron. 

Shabbat Parah: Numbers 19:1-22 is read on the Shabbat immediately following Shushan Purim. These verses deal with the Red Heifer used in the spiritual purification process at the time of the Holy Temple. This issue is important at this season of the year since, as we look forward to Pesach, every Jew is careful to maintain spiritual purity in order to partake in the holiday offerings. Many authorities hold that this reading is a Torah precept.

Click here to attend Services on YouTube

Watch Rabbi Eli's
Divrei Torah

Tell us what you would like to know