The Story

Purim is the holiday in which the miracle of Mordechai and Esther is celebrated. In the year 3405 (about 350 BCE) a majority of the Jewish nation lived in Persia. King Achashverush, spurred on by his advisor Haman, decreed that the entire Jewish nation be executed on the Thirteenth day of the Hebrew month of Adar.

Through a miraculous chain of events Haman was executed and Jews were given the opportunity to defend themselves, and thereby sanctify G-d name.

Every year on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, we celebrate the holiday of Purim.

Taanit Esther

Taanit Esther literally translates as the fast of Esther. Queen Esther declared a fast day for the Jewish people on the original day of Purim. The redemption that our people experienced during Purim was never completed for indeed we still remain in exile to this very day.

For this reason, we continue the tradition of Queen Esther’s declaration and fast during this day. This fast begins on the day before Purim at sunrise and ends at nightfall.

Half Shekel

During the days of the Temple Jews in Israel were annually taxed three half shekels on Rosh Chodesh Adar and the money was allocated to various Bet Hamikdash funds. In order to commemorate this tax, it is customary to contribute three half dollar coins to a charity in the land of Israel during the fast of Esther. Plates with half-dollar coins are made available at Shulls during this day to help you fulfill this Mitzvah. Simply place $1.50 (or more) in the plate, lift the coins in your hand and drop them back into the plate.

Four Mitzvot of Purim

There are four Mitzvot that are associated with the holiday of Purim.
  1. The first is the reading of the Megilah. It is a Mitzvah to listen to the Megilah reading on Purim evening as well as on Purim morning. It is important to listen to every word of the Megilah as the Chazzan reads from a Kosher Megilah scroll. If you feel that you were unable to hear the Megilah correctly during the service It is important to arrange a second reading.
  2. The second is Mitzvah associated with Purim is Mishlloach Manot, sending parcels of food. This Mitzvah consists of sending at least two items of food to at least one person. Since the Megilah refers to this mitzvah as the “sending” of food parcels, it is therefore proper to send the basket via messenger to the intended recipient i.e. if you would like to send a Purim basket to your neighbor ask your friend to deliver it for you.
  3. The third Mitzvah associated with Purim is Matanot Laevyonim, gifts to the poor. Since the Megilah refers to the poor in plural form, (Evyonim) this Mitzvah is only fulfilled through donating gifts to a minimum of two people.
  4. The fourth Mitzvah associated with Purim is that of Seudat Purim, which must begin during the day of Purim. When Purim falls on Friday the meal begins before midday. This is done so that the feast of Purim does not interfere with the preparation for and the sanctity of Shabbat.
It is a fact that our rabbis have encouraged Jews to drink a L’chaim on Purim and have encouraged us to celebrate the holiday in a manner that will not allow us to remember the difference between “Blessed is Mordechai and “Cursed is Haman”. Nevertheless, there is not a single reference in the entire Talmud to driving your automobile on Purim. Please be careful not to drink and drive.

Happy Purim