Lea Odelia
The meaning of Shabbat Shekalim is that the Almighty weighed how much life force to send to the seraphim, to all the heavens and worlds, to the lower world and to the creatures within it. Each receives according to its level and nature.
A person is given free choice: to follow the path of goodness or, G-d forbid, the opposite.
Shabbat Zakhor alludes to this. “Zakhor” means remembering what Amalek, who embodies the evil inclination, did to us. Free choice is necessary so that the Creator can take pleasure in a person who struggles with themselves, directing the good inclination to fight evil. The Almighty takes pride in such people. Shabbat Parah alludes to this. The essence of the commandment of the red heifer is unquestioning obedience.
Shabbat HaChodesh teaches us not to say, G-d forbid, that the Almighty created the world and is no longer interested in it. A person must believe with complete faith that the Creator continually governs all the worlds, giving them life and renewing them.
The zodiac sign of the month of Adar is Pisces. This corresponds to Yosef, who is compared to fish, which are not subject to the evil eye. Two tribes descend from Yosef through his sons, Ephraim and Menashe. This is why there are two Adars, rather than two of any other month. Whether a year is a leap year depends on the Sanhedrin's decision. It decides whether this month will be Nisan or a second Adar. That is why it is written: “This month shall be for you.” Whatever you decide, that is what this month will be.
Adapted and abridged from the book “Through the Eyes of a Righteous Man” (from the teachings of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev)
Chodesh tov — a good new month!
Shavua tov — a good week!