Purim is a minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, but that does not keep us from celebrating it in a major way. We know the story of Purim, how the wicked Haman was incensed that the Jewish Mordechai would not bow down to him. For this offence, Haman ordered all the Jews to be killed. Queen Esther chose to reveal her Jewishness to King Ahasuerus and plead for her people’s lives. Haman is killed and the Jews are victorious and celebrate their narrow escape.
Some traditional obligations (mitzvot) we observe on Purim are:
1. Hearing the Megillah.
2. Giving mishloach manot, literally, sending of portions. Each person is supposed to send a gift of at least two types of food to at least one other person.
3. Giving money to the poor, in Hebrew matanot l’evyonim. Tzedakah is a part of this Jewish holiday as it is of Jewish life in general.
4. Having a Purim Seduah, a festive Purim meal.
5. Becoming so drunk we do not know the difference between the evil Haman and the Wicked Mordechai.
Of all these obligations, mishloach manot is the easiest and most fun for me. I love baking hamentaschen, helping my kids package them, and delivering them to friends and neighbors, many of whom are not Jewish. When I was in Mississippi, I delivered these gifts to my fellow teachers, many of whom had never spoken with a Jew.
The ability to reach out to non-Jews on a “minor” holiday is important. We often discuss our Judaism most often at Chanukkah or Passover, which coincide with the important Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter. But, as we know Judaism has a full calendar of holidays some of which can pass without much notice. It is wonderful when we can take the opportunity to celebrate Purim and to let others know about this fun holiday. There are still a group of teachers in Mississippi talking about the Jewish holiday where we eat the triangle cookies!
Of the five mitzvot of Purim, which one is the most meaningful to you?
Rabbi Roos writes: This year, Matanot L'evyonim. Here's something from Aryeh Lebowitz of YU on the mitzvah: "Most people do not associate matanot l’evyonim with the joy and festive atmosphere of Purim. However, the Rambam (Hilchot Megillah 2:17) rules that it is better to expend more energy on matanot l’evyonim than on the other two mitzvoth. Indeed, the Rambam explains that the ultimate sensation of joy that can be experienced is achieved through matanot l’evyonim." Of course, that shouldn't prevent you from also feeling the joy of a good Purim party or mishloach manot basket! Happy Purim!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice summary and reminders of the traditional mitzvot. I've shared this with my adult daughters who are in various locations around the country, encouraging them to reach out, too. Hag Sameach! - Marcy
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