Maftir and Haftarah Shabbat Parah
03/24/2022 10:12:07 AM
Shabbat Parah, occurs on the Shabbat prior to Shabbat Mevarkhim of the month of Nisan. The maftir reading, deals with the red heifer whose ashes were combined with water to ritually purify anyone who had been in contact with a dead person. Because only people who were pure could eat from the Passover sacrifice, a public announcement right before Nisan reminded anyone who had become impure to purify themselves before making the Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The haftarah also deals with issues of being cleansed from contamination, but the impurity in this case symbolizes human sinfulness. But, like physical impurity, sins can be overcome. G-d says “I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean: I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idolatrous practices. And I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit into you.” This renewal of self and nation reflects Passover’s theme of redemption.
Please enjoy the renditions of both the Maftir and Haftarah.
Shabbat Shalom