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This Shabbos we mark the last of the four special shabbasos of this time period. Each shabbos is named after the maftir unique to that specific week. We began with Parshas Shekalim before Rosh Chodesh Adar, discussing the machatzis hashekel (one half shekel) contributed by each Jew. This was followed by Parshas Zachor which was read the shabbos before Purim. There we were reminded of the mitzvah to wipe out Amalek. This shabbos we will read Parshas Parah, all about the red heifer and how it's ashes can purify someone who is impure. This Shabbos always precedes the fourth and final Parsha, Parshas HaChodesh, which is read before or on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. There it discusses the first mitzvah given to B'nai Yisrael of Kiddush HaChodesh, sanctifying the new month.

The Slonimer Rebbe (Rav Shalom Noach Barzovsky z"l) in his work Nesivos Shalom, discusses how all these four parshiyos are centered around bringing a Jew closer to Hashem. In Parshas Shekalim the coins collected went towards the service in the Beis HaMikdash, the Temple. The concept of giving half a coin reminds each individual that they alone are incomplete. Only when one feels they are deficient can they connect to someone else. In order to be whole one should reach out and become close to Hashem. We need Hashem to complete ourselves.

The next step is Parshas Zachor, this is creating a deeper relationship with Hashem. In the desert, Amalek tried to get in the way of our intensifying our connection with G-d. Similarly, Haman, a descendant from Amalek also steps in at Esther's intimate dinner with "the King". When strengthening one's relationship with Hashem it is necessary to remove the Amalek, the outside forces attempting to sever our ties to G-d.

The third stage, Parshas Parah teaches us the power of rectifying our mistakes. Through the purification process we develop ourselves in order to better relate to Hashem.

In the final stage, Parshas HaChodesh, we become partners with G-d. We determine the calendar which will host the holidays Hashem gifted us. The ultimate level is the sense of responsibility between us and Hashem. The Nesivos Shalom points out that even without our Temple today we still have the holidays set to a calendar that the nation established.

As we approach the holiday of Pesach, when we became Hashem's chosen nation, let us take advantage of the messages of these four parshiyos. Now we have the opportunity to work on our relationship with our Creator, intensify our connection to Hashem, purify ourselves and become partners with G-d in elevating the world around us.

Shabbat Shalom!