B"H
Friday, Adar2- 5, 5784 / March 15, 2024
The holiday of Purimwill be celebrated, G-d willing, Saturday night, March 23 and Sunday March 24.
Q. Every Jewish holiday is celebrated on the same day everywhere. For example: Pesach is on the 15th of Nissan; Rosh Hashana is on the first of Tishrei; Yom Kippur on the 10th of Tishrei etc. However, Purim has two different dates. For example: Throughout Israel, Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar, but in Jerusalem it is celebrated one day later, on the 15th of Adar. Why?
A. The Megilah, which relates the story of Purim, tells us that the Jews fought against their enemies and were victorious. The day on which they “rested,” they stopped fighting, was the day when the holiday of Purim is celebrated. Throughout the kingdom of Achashveirosh they fought on the 13th day of Adar and rested on the 14th day. Thus, the holiday of Purim is in general celebrated on the 14th of Adar.
However, in the capital city, Shushan, they continued battling also on the 14th day and rested on the 15th day of Adar. The city of Shushan was a walled city. As a result, the rabbis established that in Shushan and in all cities which have or had a wall around them from the time of Joshua, should celebrate Purim on the 15th of Adar. Jerusalem is considered a walled city too. Thus, in Jerusalem Purim is celebrated a day after the rest of Israel. Also, the city of Shushan, in Iran, would celebrate Purim on the 15th of Adar.
Q. Why isn’t G-d's name not mentioned even once in the Megillah?
A. Our sages explain that the miracle of Purim differs from other holidays. All other holidays celebrate miracles which clearly showed G-d's involvement. For example, at the Exodus, at the splitting of the sea, and at the Giving of the Torah, G-d's presence was obvious. These miracles defied the laws of nature.
The same was with Chanukah when the Jewish people defeated the much stronger Greek army. Their victory was clearly a miracle, as was the miracle of the oil. There was barely enough pure oil to keep the Menorah lit for one day, yet, it lasted eight days, defying the laws of nature.
The miracle of Purim was a "hidden" miracle. The laws of nature were not broken. In fact, one can even make a mistake and attribute the saving of the Jewish people on Purim to Queen Esther, who influenced the King. Yet, looking closely and deeper into the story, we find G-d's hand throughout the story of Purim. In keeping with the hidden nature of the miracle, G-d's name is hidden in the Megillah and not revealed.
This Shabbat we read Parshat Pekudei. With this Parsha we conclude the book of Shmot (Exodus).
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 6:43 / Shabbat ends: 7:46
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.
B"H
Thursday, Adar2- 4, 5784 / March 14, 2024
This week’s Parsha Pekudei is the last Parsha in the Book of Numbers (S’hmot).
In the Parsha Moshe gives an accounting of all the donations which were contributed toward the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the gold, silver and copper.
Our sages learn from this that when it comes to public funds and charitable donations, one has to give an exact accounting to the people. There was no one more honest and trustworthy than Moshe, as G-d testifies in the Torah, “In all My House he is very trusted.” Yet, Moshe gave an exact accounting to the people of how much was collected and how they were used. Surely, every person who handles public or charitable funds must give an accounting.
The Torah tells us that when the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was finished it was brought to Moshe. When Moshe saw that the work was done exactly as G-d commanded him to do, he blessed them, “May G-d’s presence rest upon the work of your hands.”
Then G-d commanded Moshe to erect the Mishkan all by himself. The enormous weight of the Mishkan was beyond the ability of any one person to put it up, but G-d wanted Moshe to do it by himself. Moshe said to G-d, “How can one person put it all up?” G-d answered, “You do what you can and I will do the rest.”
On Rosh Chodesh Nissan, almost one year after the Exodus, Moshe put up the Mishkan.
Q. Why did G-d want Moshe to erect the Mishkan by himself?
A. Moshe was not involved in the actual work to build the Mishkan and its contents. The Mishkan was a sign that G-d forgave the Jewish people for the sin of the Golden Calf. Moshe was on Mount Sinai when the Golden Calf was made and had no connection whatsoever with the making of the Golden Calf. Thus, he wasn’t involved in the actual building of the Mishkan.
However, G-d wanted him to be the one to put up the Mishkan. As leader of the Jewish people and being the one who stood up for them after this grave sin, G-d wanted him to have a special share in the Mishkan. It was G-d’s dwelling place in this world, where His glory and presence will rest. Thus, he was given the special honor of putting it all together to complete the Mishkan.
Our sages teach us the following very important lesson from this. In whatever we do we need G-d’s help. On our own we cannot accomplish anything. It is only with G-d’s help that we can be successful. At the same time, we cannot leave it all up to G-d. G-d wants us to do as much as we physically can, then He does the rest. It’s a partnership between G-d and us.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL, HAPPY DAY & HAPPY CHODESH/MONTH
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.
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.
B"H
Monday, Adar2- 1, 5784 / March 11, 2024
Today, Monday, is the second day of Rosh Chodesh of the second month Adar. Adar is considered the last month of the Hebrew year. Next month, Nissan, is considered the first month.
Q. How can Adar be the last month and Nissan be the first month of the year when Rosh Hashana, the beginning of the new year, is six months away?
A. In the Hebrew calendar the months are independent of the years. Rosh Hashana, which is the beginning of the New Year, is actually in the seventh month of the year, while the first month, Nissan, is seven months after Rosh Hashana. Rosh Hashana is the new year because G-d created the world and mankind at that time. Nissan, when we celebrate Passover and the Exodus is exclusive to the Jewish people, as in that month G-d chose us as His people.
Our sages tell us that when the month of Adar enters, we must increase in Simcha-happiness.
The reason for this is that one of the greatest miracles in Jewish history, the miracle of Purim, when the entire Jewish nation was saved from annihilation, occurred in the month of Adar.
Simcha-Happinessis an important part of our service of G-d. King David in Psalm 100 says, "Serve G-d with happiness, come before Him with joyous song." Every mitzvah performed with happiness, expresses our appreciation to G-d for the opportunity to observe them. Our sages tell us that happiness comes from holiness, whereas sadness and dejection comes from the "other side."
Rabbi Schneur Zalmen of Liadi explains this concept with a parable of two people engaged in battle. If one of the fighters feels down and dejected while the other is happy and in good spirits, the happy one will be faster and have more energy to win the battle--even if his opponent is stronger. Thus, feelings of dejection and sadness take away one's willpower and strength and will cause him to fail.
Life is a constant battle. A battle between doing what G-d wants us to do or what we desire. It’s a constant struggle between the physical and spiritual – between our body and soul. Therefore, we must always think positively and be happy, thus deriving strength to win these battles.
"Think good and it will be good!" a great Rebbe told his Chassid, who had a child who was so ill that the doctors had given up all hope. The Chassid listened to the Rebbe's directive and only thought positive. Eventually, his son became well. "Throughout my life," the Chassid told his friends, "whenever there was a problem, whether in health or business, I always remembered the Rebbe's command, "Think good and it will be good". I didn't let the negative thoughts overcome me. I would think positive, and just like the Rebbe predicted, things would turn out positive."
Let’s take our sages’ advice. Increase in happiness, think positive and the results will be positive!
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HEALTHY, SUCCESSFUL & HAPPY CHODESH/MONTH
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.
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