Shekalim
What are "Shekalim"?
Coins.
What does "Zachor" mean?
"Remember"
What does "Parah" mean?
Cow
What does "Hachodesh" mean in English?
"the month"
What does "Purim" mean?
Lottery
What is this portion about?
BY would give a half shekel (machatzit hashekel) as a tax to support the Beit Hamikdash.
What are we supposed to remember when we read this portion?
What is this Maftir portion about?
The Parah Adumah / red cow
Preparing for Passover
What date on the Hebrew calendar is Purim?
14 Adar
If Rosh Chodesh Adar falls on Shabbat, when do we read this portion?
We read this portion ON that Shabbat / Rosh Chodesh.
When do we read this portion?
We read Zachor the Shabbat before Purim.
When is this portion read?
The Shabbat right after Purim / three weeks before Pesach.
What was the main preparation for Passover in the times of the Beit Hamikdash?
Preparing the Korban Pesach / Passover sacrifice.
How many times do you need to hear the Megillah, and when?
Twice, once at night and once during the day.
If Rosh Chodesh Adar falls during the week, when do we read this portion?
We read the portion the Shabbat BEFORE Rosh Chodesh Adar.
Why do we read Zachor this time of year?
Because Haman is the descendant of Amalek.
Why do we read this portion at this time of year?
Because BY had to purify themselves to participate in the Korban Pesach ritual.
When is this Maftir read? (How many weeks before Pesach?)
Hachodesh is read two weeks before Pesach.
What is the most important Purim mitzvah, and how do we fulfill it?
Matanot L'evyonim, gifts to the poor. You need to give at least two of a currency (example: two dollars) to at least two people in need.
About how much would half a shekel be worth today?
Between $5 and $12.
What do we do nowadays about the commandment to wipe out Amalek?
We don't actually try to kill Amalek (especially because we don't know who they are), but we are supposed to wipe out any culture that takes advantage of the weak and vulnerable.
How many aliyot (not including Maftir) do we read on Shabbat?
Seven.
What is a "Maftir"?
A Maftir is the concluding aliyah in a Torah reading.
What are the two Purim mitzvot that have to do with food, and which must be fulfilled during the day?
1) Mishloach Manot (gift of at least two foods to at least one person)
2) Seudah / Mishteh (feast / party)