All
About Purim…
Purim is a
holiday of unlimited joy for the Jewish people as we commemorate the
miraculous salvation enjoyed by the Jews during the times of
Mordechai and Esther. To properly
remember and celebrate there are several special observances related
to the holiday.
1.
Fast of Esther: It is a Mitzvah to fast on the day before
Purim from daybreak till after the Megillah
reading that night.
2.
Machatzis
Hashekel (Half Shekel Coin): To remember
the communal donations given for the sacrifices we give three
half-shekel coins three times before the Megillah reading on the night of Purim. (These days we use
silver half-dollars available at the shul.)
3.
Megillah Reading: The
Megillah is the story of Purim. It is a
Mitzvah for every Jew to listen to the Megillah
reading twice on Purim; once in the evening and once the next
day.
4.
Matanot
Le’evyonim (Gifts to the Poor): It is a
Mitzvah to give charity to at least two poor people or worthy
institutions on Purim day.
5.
Shalach
Manot (Food Gifts): It is a Mitzvah to
give at least two different types of food to one friend on Purim
Day.
6.
Se’udat Purim (Purim
Banquet): It is a Mitzvah to partake of a festive meal on the day of
Purim. This year this meal should take place before midday on Friday
so as not to ruin one’s appetite for the Friday night Shabbat meal.
