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Purim Particulars

There are lots of mitzvot and customs in the upcoming holiday of Purim (March 15-16, 2014). Here's a run-down of what to expect!

Full schedule of events is posted here.

What

Why

When

Shabbat Zachor

 

Fulfilling the mitzvah of remembering & never forgetting the danger of  Amalek even today

 

According to most authorities, it is a mitzvah d’oraita (directly from the Torah) to hear Parashat Zachor which describes Amalek’s attack on B’nai Yisrael after they left Egypt. We read this section from the Torah on the Shabbat that precedes Purim since Haman was a descendant of Amalek whose ideology is the antitheses of Judaism.

Saturday

 March 15th 10:30 a.m.

Ta’anit Esther

 

Dawn to dusk fast

Prior to appearing uninvited before the King, Esther and all of Shushan’s Jews fasted for three days. Additionally, the Jews fasted on the day that they battled their enemies. By fasting, we de-emphasize our physical needs and focus on our ability to control our own behavior.

Thursday

March 13th

6:08am-7:47pm

Machatzit Hashekel

 

Donating

three half dollars

 

When the Beit Hamikdash (Temple) stood, a month before Pesach, every Jewish male over twenty would contribute a half-shekel as dues for the coming Temple year, which began in Nissan. To commemorate this, we donate three half dollars to the shul for each family member.

Thursday

March 13th

All day

Megillat Esther

 

Reading/hearing

the Story of Esther

In order to celebrate Jewish unity and our shared history, it is customary for both men and women to come together to read/hear the Megillah from a hand written scroll on Purim, both night and day.

Sat.-Sun

March 15th-16th

8:30pm

8:45am

4pm(ForWomen)

Al Hanissim

 

Special Purim prayer

 

In the evening, morning and afternoon services, as well as in the grace after meals, we insert an additional paragraph expressing our gratitude to the Almighty for the miraculous salvation of our ancestors on Purim.

Sat.-Sun

March 15th-16th

All day

Mishloah Manot

 

Sending gift baskets

After their victory over Haman and his supporters, the Jews sent food to each other in order to nurture friendship and a sense of community. Similarly, we send two types of ready-to-eat food to at least one friend.

Sunday

March 16th

All day

Matanot L’evyonim

 

Gifts to the poor

 

In celebration of their victory over Haman, the Jews provided financial assistance to the poor. Similarly, we give tzedaka to at least two needy people. These funds should be in addition to one’s yearly tzedaka allocation.

Sunday

March 16th

All day

Seudat Purim

 

Festive Purim meal

 

Since the salvation of Purim was of a physical nature, in that the Jews were saved from annihilation, it is customary to eat a festive meal with family and friends providing enjoyment to our physical senses.

Sunday

March 16th

All day

Ad D’lo Yada

Having a l’chaim…or two

 

One of the major components of the salvation on Purim involves drinking. Therefore, one is encouraged to imbibe a little more than usual.

Sunday

March 16th

All day

Shushan Purim

 

Purim in Walled Cities

The Jews of Shushan were granted an extra day to fight off their enemies, so they celebrated their victory on the day after everyone else. Therefore, all walled cites from that time observe Purim a day later.

Monday

March 17th

All day