Rabbi Howard Morrison

It is unusual to read from three Torahs at any given service. Annually, we read from three Torahs on Simchat Torah: The end of the Torah, the beginning of the Torah, and the Maftir. Periodically, we read from three Torahs when Rosh Chodesh coincides with Shabbat Chanukah. This coming Shabbat, we will read from three Torahs, as we read the weekly portion, Rosh Chodesh, and Shabbat Ha'Chodesh.

From the weekly portion of Tazria, we read at first about laws of childbirth. The Parsha begins, "When a woman gives birth . . . " Interestingly, while the Parsha focuses on the experience of the individual, this coming Shabbat also focuses on the birth of the Jewish people. For Shabbat Ha'Chodesh, we read from Exodus chapter 12 in Parshat Bo. It is in this section of the Torah that the Children of Israel receive their very first collective Mitzvah - the sanctification of the Jewish calendar. In the very first Rashi commentary on the Torah as a whole, Rashi raises the question why the Torah begins with the stories of Genesis and not the very first collective Mitzvah, found in Exodus chapter 12. His commentary identifies the birth of Jewish nationhood with the first collective Mitzvah. 

The juxtaposition of this coming Shabbat with the first day of Nissan and Shabbat Ha'Chodesh reminds us that Pesach is just over two weeks away. As individuals, as part of a larger community, and as part of an historic peoplehood, now is the time to make spiritual and physical preparations for Pesach. These include arranging to sell unused Chametz before the Festival, securing Matza and other Kosher for Passover foods, knowing where you will be for the two Seder nights, participating in synagogue services over the eight days of the holiday period, and more.

It is not often we read and learn from three Torah scrolls at one service. I encourage us all to make this Shabbat a real happening.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison