HOW MANY TIMES when learning about the Mishkan did you say to yourself, “This is exactly what the war with Iran is about?” If even once, I’d love to hear why.

THIS WEEK’S PARSHA is very complex. It starts off talking about Machatzis HaShekel, the obligatory half shekel given yearly for public sacrifices.

THIS WEEK “hosts” the second of the special Maftirs, Parashas Zachor, that we insert at this time of year because of Purim and Pesach

THE BUILD OF the Mishkan is not the most dramatic part of the exodus story, but it should be. Even though some hold that the Mishkan was only a response to the sin of the golden calf, they just mean the physical structure itself. The concept of a Mishkan is as necessary to Creation as the Temple itself.

PURIM IS ON the way, b”H. This week is the first of the four special readings, Parashas Shekalim, in advance of and after Purim. This is the time of year the Jewish People gave their half-shekels to the Temple for public sacrifices, a tradition we have continued since even during non-Temple times.