Shabbos
mevorchim Adar
ushers in an extended period (until after Pesach) of celebration and simcha.
On rosh chodesh Adar, Tuesday, and Wednesday, we apply the adage,
”When the month of Adar begins one increases joy!”
In addition to the weekly parsha hashavuah, we lein parshas
Shekalim
, coins, marking the yearly period when Jews of old were obligated to donate money to the Temple treasury towards communal sacrifices and more.
To commemorate this event, we read the first of
four
unique Torah readings that introduce iconic religious observances and occasions.
Men, women, and children are encouraged to attend and hear this special kriah. Although parshas
Parah
and
Zachor
are biblically required, it is commendable to hear all four parshios read publicly, in shul.