Shabbath Shekalim

Parashat Shekalim is the first of four special readings added during or immediately before the month of Adar (the other three being Zachor, Parah and Hachodesh).
The Shekalim reading is also related to the upcoming holiday of Purim. According to the Talmud, Haman's decree was averted in merit of the mitzvah of machatzit hashekel.
When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, each Jew contributed an annual half-shekel to the Temple.
The funds raised were primarily used to purchase cattle for the communal sacrifices. The leftover monies were used for a variety of communal purposes, including providing salaries for the judges and maintenance of the Temple, its vessels, and the city walls.
This annual tax, known as the machatzit hashekel, was due on the 1st of Nissan. One month earlier, on the 1st of Adar, the courts began posting reminders about this Biblical obligation. In commemoration, the Shekalim is the first of four readings added during or immediately before the month of AdarTorah reading of the Shabbat that falls on or before Adar is supplemented with the verses  that relate G‑d's commandment to Moses regarding the first giving of the half-shekel.

 

 Handmade modelling clay  Shekalim

Parashah Pekudei

 Cohen Gadol handmade at home clothing

Pekudei, describes the manufacture of the vestments of the priests and high priests,which were already described in the portion of Tetzaveh, where G‑d instructs Moshèhow these garments are to be assembled.
The high priest's ephod ,a reversed apron which covered the back , and its precious-stone-studded shoulder straps were made. The High Priest's Choshen Mishpat was assembled. It contained four rows of precious stones, each row containing three stones. Artisans engraved the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel upon these twelve stones. 
The Choshen Misphat was then secured by straps which connected it to the ephod. 
The rest of the priestly garments were completed: The high priest's me'il (blue robe adorned with golden bells and cloth "pomegranates") and tzitz (a golden band worn on the forehead, which was engraved with the words "Holy to G‑d"); and the four garments worn by both the high priest and the regular priests: tunics, turbans, sashes and pants.