How Netivyah Reads the Torah

Netivyah’s congregation, Ro’eh Israel (“Shepherd of Israel”) congregation, follows the Ashkenazi Haftarah readings.

The New Testament readings are selected by the Ro’eh Israel congregation.

The Hebrew calendar contains extra readings that are added to the regular, weekly Torah portions for specific holidays, including:

Shabbat Shekalim

The Shabbat before (or starting) Rosh Chodesh Adar. This Shabbat the following reading is added: Exodus 30:11-16. The reading speaks about how every member of the people of Israel is obligated to bring the biblical half-shekel for the sacrifices to the Temple.

Shabbat Zachor

On the Shabbat before Purim, the following reading is added: Deuteronomy 25:17-19. The reading speaks about the obligation to remember the war against Amalek, due to which we are obligated to blot out the memory of Amalek. According to tradition, Haman the Agagite was a descendant of Amalek.

Shabbat Parah

The Shabbat before “Shabbat HaChodesh”. This Shabbat the following reading is added: Deuteronomy 19:1-22. The reading speaks about purification by means of the red heifer (also knows as “the red cow”).

Shabbat HaChodesh

The Shabbat before (or starting) Rosh Chodesh Nissan. This Shabbat the following reading is added: Exodus 12:1-20. The reading speaks about the Passover sacrifice, and reminds us that Nissan is the first month of the year.