The first of the four Parshios (sections) tread during (or near) Adar. It reminds us (as it did in the times of the Beis hamikdash) to give half shekels for the karbanos of the new year.
This is the last of "the four Parshiyos" . It reminds us of the Korbon Pesach (Paschal offering). It is read the last Shabbos in ADAR or on Rosh Chodesh NISSAN.
The second month of the calender year. It is the first month after our exodus and is unique in having a Mitzva through it's entirety- Sefiras HaOmer. There is a message of Teshuva and healing in this pre Mattan (The Giving of the) Torah month.