The Four Parshios (Portions)
Practically speaking, Shabbos was the one day during the week when the community gathered. Therefore, the Rabbis chose Shabbos as the most opportune time to make timely Halachik and communal announcements. Associating these announcements with a Torah portion is indicative of the focus that each of us is supposed to have in regards to integrating Hashem (G-d) into our lives. These announcements were not simply relegated to a public pronouncement or a few lines on a sheet, but were associated with the reading and the study of Torah.

There are four special Shabbosim preceding Pesach when additional portions from the Torah are read. Set rules determine when each of these additional Parshios are to be read.

Parshas Shekalim, the first of the special Shabbosim preceding Pesach, is read on the Shabbos that precedes the month of Adar, or the Shabbos of Rosh Chodesh Adar (when Rosh Chodesh and Shabbos coincide).

Parshas Zachor is read on the Shabbos before Purim.

Parshas Parah is read on the Shabbos before the Shabbos of Parshas Hachodesh.

Parshas Hachodesh is read on the Shabbos before the month of Nissan or the Shabbos of Rosh Chodesh Nissan (when Rosh Chodesh and Shabbos coincide).

The Four Parshios – Haftorah Summaries
Shekalim	Zachor	Parah	Hachodesh

Additional Classes on the Four Parshios:

YomTov: The Four Parshios, The Four Portions

Haftorah Shekalim

Perceptions – Shekalim: A Spiritually Enriching Experience

Haftorah Zachor

Perceptions – Zachor: When in Doubt, Do Without?

Haftorah Parah

Perceptions – Parah: The Yoke’s On You!

Haftorah HaChodesh

DvarTorah – HaChodesh: Saving Time

Perceptions – HaChodesh: Nu? What’s New… Besides the Moon?