B"H

Tuesday, 5, Adar 2, 5776 / March 15, 2016 – HAKHEL YEAR

There are two Rabbinical holidays which we celebrate every year, Purim and Chanukah.

Chanukah is commemorated by the lighting of the Menorah and the reciting of Hallel for eight days during the morning service. Purim is commemorated through the reading of the Megilah, but Hallel is not recited on Purim.

There are five mitzvot associated with Purim:

1) To listen to the reading of the  Megilah. The Megilah, which relates the story of Purim, is read next Wednesday night (March 23) and again Thursday morning (March 24). One must hear each word of the Megilah.

2) Reciting the Al HaNisim.  Al HaNisim is a prayer in which we thank G-d for the miracle of Purim. We recite Al HaNisim during each of the three Amidah prayers and in the Grace-After-Meal on Purim.

3) Mishloach Manot - sending gifts.  On Purim day (Thursday), we send a gift of a minimum of two kinds of ready-to-eat foods to a friend. One can send to as many people as they wish, but the minimum requirement are two kinds of foods to one friend.

4) Matanot LaEvyonim - gifts to the poor. On Purim day we must give charity to at least two poor people. However, the more charity we distribute on Purim the more the mitzvah.

5) Seudat Purim - Purim meal.  During the day of Purim (Thursday), we eat a sumptuous and festive meal as befitting the celebration of this great miracle. 

Q.Why is Purim celebrated through sending gifts?

A.Purim is a very joyous holiday. By exchanging gifts, we share the joy of Purim with others, especially those who may not be so fortunate as us. We make every effort to make them happy as well. This is also why it is a special mitzvah to distribute charity to the needy on Purim more than on other days.

Our sages say, “On Purim one should give anyone who puts out their hand.” In other words, we don’t judge how needy they are. We give without judgment.

When Haman wanted to impress upon King Achashveirosh to annihilate the Jewish people, he said, “There is one nation spread throughout your kingdom, who have their own laws and they do not obey the laws of the king..” It was actually the fact that Jews were “one nation” – caring for each other, which brought about their salvation.

Sending gifts and distributing charity is an expression of Jewish unity and friendship which so fittingly commemorates the miracle of Purim.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY