B"H
Wednesday, 13 Adar 2, 5776 / March 23, 2016 – HAKHEL YEAR
Today, the 13th of Adar, the day before Purim, is called Taanit Esther - the fast of Esther.
Purim begins tonight (Wednesday night) through tomorrow (Thursday).
The Megilah is read twice during Purim; tonight (Wednesday night) after the evening service and again tomorrow (Thursday), during the morning service.
Today at the Mincha service it is customary to give three half shekels (or the currency of one’s country) for charity. This is called “Machtzit Hashekel.” Charity plates are usually put out in synagogue so that everyone can perform this important mitzvah.
The Megilah is read from a Kosher Megilah, which was written by a scribe on parchment. But unlike the Torah reading, the Megilah is spread out in a few layers and looks more like one is reading from a letter rather than a Torah. This is because the Megilah is called “The letter of Purim.”
Q.Why is the miracle of Purim, which took place over two thousand five hundred years ago, so special and important to this day?
A. Haman wished to annihilate the entire Jewish people. He influenced Achashveirosh, King of Persia, to decree, "To destroy, slay, and exterminate all Jews, young and old, children and women, in a single day... and to plunder their possessions..." Had it not been for the miracle of Purim, this evil decree would have, G-d forbid, wiped out the entire Jewish nation, who all lived under his rule.
One just needs to look around and see what’s happening today. The murderous attacks within Israel, in Paris and yesterday in Brussels. Our enemies mean business.. Today’s Hamans are working overtime.. The miracle of Purim is as real today as it was then.
Remember to perform the five mitzvot associated with Purim:
1) To hear the reading of the Megilah.This mitzvah applies to Purim night and Purim day.
2) Reciting the Al HaNisim prayer, in which we thank G-d for the great miracle of Purim. It is recited during the Amidah prayers and in the Grace-after-meal (Birkat Hamazon).
3) Mishloach Manot - sending gifts. On Purim day (Thursday), remember to send gifts of ready-to-eat foods to at least one friend.
4) Matanot LaEvyonim – charity to the needy. On Purim (Thursday), give food or charity to at least two poor people.
5) Seudat Purim - Purim meal. During the day of Purim (Thursday) we eat a festive meal as befitting the celebration of this great miracle.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY & JOYFUL PURIM.