B"H
Wednesday, Adar2 6, 5782 / March 9, 2022
The story of Purim, recorded in the Megilat Esther - Scroll of Esther, will be read next week on Purim - Wednesday night, March 16 and again on Purim day, Thursday, March 17.
Purim is the holiday when we celebrate the miracle of Jewish survival. Jewish survival is a great miracle indeed, for in every generation there are those who still want to annihilate us. Every generation has its Haman. Thus, Jewish survival is still a miracle today as it was in the past 2000 years.
This is why Purim is the most joyous holiday, for it celebrates our very existence to this day.
In fact, Purim is a very special holiday. Other Jewish holidays, such as Passover and Chanukah, which commemorate specific miracles, do not begin before, nor extend beyond the days of the holiday.
The miracle of Purim, which occurred on the 14th of Adar, is so special that it affects the entire month of Adar. This is why our sages state, "When the month of Adar enters, we increase in happiness. The entire month is a very joyous and happy one.
Q. Why is the holiday called Purim?
A. “Purim” comes from the word "pur" which means "lots."
The Megilah tells us that, upon receiving permission to annihilate the Jewish people, Haman cast "lots" for the best day and month in which to execute his plan. The lot fell on the 13th day of the month of Adar. Haman was very pleased, for he knew that Moshe (Moses) passed away in the month of Adar.
Haman said, "Now I am sure that my plan will succeed for the leader of the Jewish people died in Adar and thus this month must be an unlucky month for the Jews."
However, as our sages tell us, Haman didn't know that Moshe was born in Adar and as a result it turned out to be a good month for Israel and the month of Haman's downfall.
Thursday is the 7th of Adar - the day in which Moshe was born and the day in which Moshe passed away 120 years later. May his merit and memory be a blessing for all of Israel. Amen.
Q.Why, in a leap year (as this year) is Purim celebrated in the second Adar and not in the first Adar?
A. The Purim holiday as well as the Pesach (Passover) holiday both celebrate Jewish salvation. Pesach our salvation from Egypt and Purim celebrates our salvation from the hands of Haman. Because they both celebrate the miracle of our salvation and liberation, we celebrate Purim in the second Adar so that they are celebrated close to each other.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY