B"H

Tuesday, Adar2- 2, 5784 / March 12, 2024

The joyous holiday of Purim will be celebrated Saturday night, March 23, and Sunday, March 24.  Purim is the most joyful holiday in our Hebrew calendar when we go a bit over the top in celebrating and expressing our happiness. During Purim it is a mitzvah to have a L’chayim or two…

Q.  Why is it customary to drink "L'chayim" on Purim?

A.  The Megillah tells us that the miracle of Purim was a result of banquets in which much wine was served. In the Megillah we read that Haman's downfall came about at a wine party, which Queen Esther arranged.  There, Esther revealed to the king that she was Jewish, and that Haman wanted to kill her and her people. It was at that party that King Achashveirosh ordered that Haman be hanged. Since wine played a major role in the miracle of Purim, we drink a L’chayim or two (or more...) on Purim.

Q.  Why is the holiday called Purim?

A.   “Purim” comes from the word "pur" which means, "lots."  

The Megillah 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 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."  But, as our sages tell us, Haman didn't know that Moshe's date of birth was also in Adar and as a result it turned out to be a good month for Jews and the month of Haman's downfall.

The Midrash brings the following parable about Haman's plan to destroy the Jewish people: A bird once made its nest near the sea.  A wave came and washed away the nest.  The bird became very upset at the sea and decided to teach it a lesson.  With its beak, it started taking water from the sea and spitting it onto the shore.

"What are you doing?" asked another bird. The first bird told the bird what happened and said that he was determined to punish the sea by drying it up! "You are very foolish," answered the second bird.  "You are no match for the mighty sea.   All you will do is exhaust yourself!"

The same was with Haman, explain our sages.  G-d said, "You want to destroy My people?  All you will accomplish is to destroy yourself!  The people of Israel will last forever!"  The same is with the Hamans-Hamas of every generation. In the end they destroy themselves!  The people of Israel will live on forever! Am Yisrael Chai!

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL & HAPPY DAY

UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL

& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.