Parshat Tzav/ Parshat Zachor and.. Purim!

In this weeks Parshat, Parshat Tzav every morning in the Mishkan the Kohain starts with the Korban Olah, and each morning there is a lottery for who can perform the first mitzvah, the winner performs the terumat hadashen (taking a portion of the ashes). For this reason I decided to make lotto cupcakes to represent the mad rush of Jews running to be the first person of the day to perform the mitzvah (that's why Hashem recommend a lottery system.. look closely it says LOTTO).

This week we will also read Parshat Zachor- to remember Amalek. What is the connection between Amalek and Purim? Haman who was the bad guy in the Purim story was a descendant of Agag, who was the king of Amalek in the time of King Shaul. That is why we read Parshat Zachor before Purim so we can erase the memory of Amalek  ("Remember- do not forget"), and being that Purim comes right after, the word VeNahafoch Hu represents the day. Therefore I made chocolate and peanut butter cupcakes for the VeNahafoch Hu concept, and for the hidden chocolate and peanut butter chips on the inside - Hester like Esther, hidden miracles!

May we all have a Purim filled with happiness and simcha and may we be able to see all the hidden miracles  and run to do many mitzvot!

Also a special shout out to my mom, today is her birthday!!

Good Shabbos and Freilichin Purim!