B"H
Thursday, Adar 13, 5785 / March 13, 2025
Today, the 13th of Adar, the day before Purim, is called Taanit Esther - Fast of Esther.
Purim is tonight (Thursday night) & tomorrow, Friday. The Megilah is read twice during Purim; tonight (Thursday night) after the evening service and again tomorrow (Friday), during the morning service.
Today (Thursday) at the Mincha service it is customary to give three half shekels (or the currency of one’s country, like three half dollars) 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. However, unlike the Torah reading, the Megilah is folded in a few layers and looks more like one is reading from a letter rather than a Torah scroll. This is because the Megilah is called, “Theletter 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.
Thus, the miracle of Purim is an everlasting miracle. We are here today because of the miracle of Purim. The miracle of Purim is as real today as it was then. G-d watches over His people all the time, as King David said, “G-d doesn’t slumber nor sleep for He watches over the people of Israel.” At times we see G-d’s miracles, but most of the time He watches over us in a way that we don’t even recognize the great miracles He performs for us. It’s the times when we don’t realize these miracles that is the greatest of miracles.
Remember to perform the five mitzvot associated with Purim:1) To hear the reading of the Megilah.This mitzvah applies to Purim night (Thursday night) & Purim day (Friday).
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 (Friday), remember to send gifts of ready-to-eat kosher foods to at least one friend.
4) Matanot LaEvyonim – charity to the needy. On Purim (Friday), give charity to at least two poor people.
5) Seudat Purim - Purim meal. During the day of Purim (Friday) we eat a festive meal befitting the celebration of this great miracle. Since Purim is Friday, we eat the meal early in the afternoon and finish before Shabbat.
A VERY HAPPY PURIM & SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 6:41 / Shabbat ends: 7:45
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW