SSLI Lower School
Friday Letter – March 25, 2022
Parshat Shmini/Shabbat Parah – Candle Lighting 6:54 pm
Dear Schechter Parents,
This week the children at Schechter led a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony. This was a special Kabbalat Shabbat, called Dorot – generations. We were delighted to see an impressive turnout, as many friends and family were in attendance for this event. Your presence truly enhances our school activities and demonstrates your continued involvement in your child’s growth and education.
At the assembly, the children played musical instruments and sang many beautiful Jewish songs. Our Darshan was Dr. Sokol who discussed the significance of Shmini – the number eight. The children mentioned many holidays that share the number eight. He then said that in order for a Parah Adumah to be valid, it must be red, perfect, and without any blemish. Even if the heifer would have merely two black hairs, it would no longer be valid for the service in the Beit HaMikdosh. Throughout history, there have only been a few such animals that fit this perfect description.
As a reminder, we will be having a fun bowling night which will take place on Thursday, March 31st at 5:30 pm at Bowlero Lanes. All proceeds for this event will help support the people in Ukraine. This event is for all students, grades K-12. We hope to see you there!
Save the date: The students are preparing for our science fair which will take place on Sunday, May 1st. We will also be having special hands-on STREAM activities during this day. More details to follow.
Question of the Week (Please submit your answer to be featured in next week’s email.)
In addition to Parshat Shmini, this week is also called Shabbat Parah. This special reading, taken from the beginning of Parshat Chukat, discusses the purification process with the Parah Adumah- a red heifer. Why do we read about the Parah Adumah at this time of the year?
Last Week’s Question And Answer
Q. How many Pesukim are found in this week’s Parsha? How is this hinted in the name, Tzav?
A. The Parsha has exactly 96 Pesukim which is the gematria – the numerical value of the word, Tzav.
Shabbat Shalom!
Dr. Boaz Tomsky
Lower School Administrator