* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
1) First of all, here is the Purim schedule:
This Shabbat, “Shabbat Zachor,” is the Shabbat before Purim.
We go to synagogue to hear the reading of the verses that begin with the words: “Remember what Amalek did to you….” (Devarim 25:17)
This year it will be easier to connect to this mitzvah of eradicating evil from the world.
Purim begins on Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night)and continues until Sunday night. And in Jerusalem, we will celebrate Shushan Purim from Sunday night until Monday night.
2) Costumes, noisemakers, and Hamantashen are all wonderful Purim customs. But Purim also has its own halachot (laws), four main mitzvot of the day. The first mitzvah is the Purim seuda: a festive meal celebrated with family, friends, or community, filled with good food, singing, and joy.
3) The second mitzvah is Mishloach Manot, as it says in the Megillah, “sending gifts to one another.” (Esther 9:22). This mitzvah is to send one package consisting of at least two food items to one person.This year, many packages will be distributed in rehab departments, military bases, hotels hosting evacuees, and in many more places. Of course, you can send mishloach manot to more than one person; it is especially desirable to reach out to people who aren’t so close to you in order to strengthen your connection with them.
4) The third mitzvah of Purim is Matanot La’evyonim” (presents for the poor). This mitzvah involves helping at least two needy people who don’t have the means to celebrate the seuda. Today we can contribute to various organizations that distribute money to poor people on our behalf.
5) And the fourth mitzvah is to listen to the reading of Megillat Esther twice from a scroll: at night and in the morning. There are many public readings of the Megillah that will be taking place at synagogues, Chabad houses, and other places throughout the country (including in Gaza this year!).
The Megillah serves as a timeless reminder that there is no power in the world that can destroy us (not Pharoah, not Haman, and not Sinwar); that everything can turn around for the good; and that our unity and Jewish identity are the keys to our success.
Finally, as so many of the bereaved families and families of the wounded and of the hostages have requested: We will not be canceling Purim this year. Instead, we will rejoice, but in a different way: with unity and resolve, hoping and praying that more joy and good news will be coming our way soon.
Purim Samech! Happy Purim!