LEAD TIDBIT
The Parsha-PARA-Post-Purim Connection
If you check the stats in the Word of the Month box on page 2, you will see that Ki Tisa is the most common partner of Parshat Para. Parshat Ki Tisa represents a crossroads of sorts. For the previous two sedras, we have been reading about the glorious mitzva and spiritual endeavor of building a Mikdash. The details continue into this week's sedra with the commands for the collection of the Machatzit HaShekel, making of the washing basin and stand, making the anointing oil and incense, and arranging for the artisans to carry out the tasks, under the leadership and supervision of B'tzaleil and Aholiav. We were almost there; all that was left was the reminder of the supremacy of Shabbat and then the work on the Mishkan would be ready to commence. And then, the devastating debacle of the Eigel HaZahav (Golden Calf). We were down for the count. Almost wiped out. Moshe interceded on our behalf, G-d "regretted" the evil that He had said He would do to His nation. He then gave us the gift of the 13 Divine Attributes and the challenge to emulate them. We also have the Para Aduma and all the laws of ritual impurity and purity that go with it, as an on-going atonement for Cheit HaEigel and as part of our arsenal in our continuing quest for Kedusha. In the upcoming sedras, we do build the Mishkan and the Book of Vayikra sets down much of the function of the Mikdash. Para Aduma facilitates our functioning in the Mikdash and in a real sense, points us towards the Complete Redemption.

Purim is also about being at the crossroads, about facing annihilation, about being saved and about the challenge of following the right path in life. Haman's sword was above the heads of the Jews of the Persian empire for almost a year.

G-d behind the scenes and Mordechai and Esther up front, saved the day? For what? Are commitment to Torah? (Kiy'mu ma shekiblu). Yes. A return to Eretz Yisrael? For sure. These are our challenges too.