Shabbat Shekalim (Mishpatim)
21 Shevat 5786 (February 8, 2026)

This week's Torah portion is Mishpatim which means "laws." On the surface it deals with laws concerning how we should treat our fellow human beings and other creatures. However, we see in the Zohar that there is a deviation from the usual commentary on Torah in a section known as Sava D'Mishpatim (Old Man of Mishpatim). This section deals with the Kabbalistic idea of reincarnation (Gilgul Neshamot). Whatever we do in the physical realm is echoed into the spiritual realms. Our lower self, which is called Nefesh, is often tempted by this world and prevents our higher self from doing what it has returned to do. So the central idea, according to Kabbalah, is that reincarnation has two purposes: 1. to correct or repair (tikun) our past negative actions (sins); 2. to acquire higher levels of soul, which we also refer to as transformation. This period of Shovavim has been one of instrospection and meditation. As we enter this new week, let us think about how we may have grown during Shovavim. We are here in this world to instruct and teach love, nothing else matters. Everything we do should be a lesson or example of love...love without limitations, love without prejudice, love without expecting anything in return. May our lives and actions be filled with love and kindness for others.

Shavua Tov,

Parashat Mishpatim | פרשת משפטים
Torah Portion: Shemot (Exodus) 21:1-24:18
Maftir For Shabbat Shekalim: Shemot (Exodus) 30:11-16
Haftarah For Shabbat Shekalim: Melachim Bet (II Kings) 12:1-17
Tehilim: Tehilim (Psalms) 72

Parashat Mishpatim

Maftir LeParashat Shekalim

Haftarat Parashat Shekalim

Tehilim 72



Shabbat Parashat Shekalim
The first of Four Special Shabbatot leading up to the Chag of Pesach is Shabbat Parashat Shekalim. It either occurs on the last Shabbat of the month of Shevat or on the Shabbat before 1 Adar II in a Hebrew leap year. There is a special Maftir and special Haftarah on this day which speaks about the Half-Shekel. Our Sages teach that there cannot be obliteration of Amalek without Shekalim. Shabbat Parashat Shekalim begins our preparation to hear the Megilat Ester on Purim and ultimately for the arrival of Pesach.

NEW Schedule For Weekdays
Our study and service schedule for weekdays has been streamlined to better times for learning and for joining our weekly minyanim. This schedule will begin in the new month of Shevat (Monday, January 19, 2026). Go to our CALENDAR page to see the new schedule of weekly events. All Arvit services will also begin at 8:00 PM EST regardless of whether they are on Erev Shabbat (Friday night) or Erev Chag (Festival Eve).

SHOVAVIM
Shovavim begins on January 4, 2026. It is a six-week period of teshuvah (return/repentance). Shovavim is the acronym for the Torah parashiyot we read during this period: Shemot, Va-era, Bo, Beshalach, Yitro, and Mishpatim. Many have the minhag of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays and giving extra tzedakah. We invite you to join our community by going to our EVENTS page.

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We invite you to become a member of our tribe. Kabbalah4All Congregation was established to connect people who wish to be part of a Jewish community which focuses on Kabbalah (Mystical Judaism). We are an online synagogue community with members in almost every continent. Our members have a voice in our community and are empowered through our services and studies to effect change in their part of the world--the idea of Tikkun Olam. Go to our MEMBERSHIP page for more information.

Tzedakah
The word צדקה "tzedakah" in Hebrew often is translated as charity, but it actually comes from the root צדק "tzedek" which means righteousness. The addition of the letter ה "Hei" connects righteousness to Malchut. Many people say "giving" tzedakah, but the more appropriate phrase is "doing" tzedakah. Tzedakah is in many ways an exchange of energy and is a visible expression of gratitude in this world for that which we have received, especially when we receive it from an organization that helps us to grow spiritually. We thank you in advance for your generosity and support. Click Here to make an online donation. Visit our DONATE page in order to donate using other methods.

Your Hebrew Name
At the end of the Amidah, we whisper a verse from the Tanach which is associated with our Hebrew name. Would you like to know your Hebrew name and the verse that corresponds to your name? Or would you like us to help you choose a Hebrew name and even have a certificate with your Hebrew name and verse? Email Us for more information.


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