B"H
Monday, Adar 6, 5783 (Hakhel Year) / February 27, 2023
This month, Adar, is a special month in the Hebrew calendar. In some years we have two months of Adar (Adar 1 & Adar 2). This year there is only one month of Adar.
As mentioned last week, our sages tell us, “When Adar comes, we increase in happiness.” During this month we increase in happiness more than other months of the year.
Happiness is something we all desire, yet, at times it may be one of the most difficult mitzvot to perform, for one reason or another. True happiness comes when we believe and trust in G-d and whatever happens in life is for the good, because G-d is good. When we feel this way it has an effect on high and in turn G-d sends us His blessings to maintain our happiness.
The holiday of Purim is next week - Monday night, March 6 and Tuesday, March 7.
Purimcelebrates one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history - the miracle of Jewish survival, as recorded in the Megilat Esther. The Megilah is read twice during Purim; once in the evening after the fast & Maariv service and during the morning service. The Megilah is hand written on parchment by a scribe.
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. When the lot fell on the 13th day of Adar, Haman was very pleased, for he knew that Moshe (Moses) passed away in the month of Adar.
The Talmud tells us that 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 is not good for the Jews.”
But, as our sages tell us, Haman didn't know that Moshe's birth was also in the month of Adar. In the end, it turned out to be a good month for the Jewish people and Haman's downfall.
Q. Mordechai and Esther together played a role in the story of Purim, so why is the Megilah called Megilat Esther - Scroll of Esther, when it should have been called, Scroll ofEsther and Mordechai?
A. Esther was the one who put her life at risk for her people. Esther’s Jewish identity, when she married King Achashveirosh, was not known, so her life was not affected by Haman's decree. Yet, she placed her own life in danger to plead for her people revealing her Jewish identity. Since Esther put her life in danger more than Mordechai, the Megilah was named after her.
Another reason is that Esther was the one who insisted that the story of Purim be recorded and be added to our Holy Scriptures, thus, it was named in her honor, "Megilat Esther."
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY