Join us for an online Purim Madness GoogleMeet mess as we read the “gantza megillah”!
February 25 at 7pm — online reading:
February 26 at 10:30am–12:00pm study session
Purim is one of the strangest holidays.
On one level Purim is considered the happiest holiday of the Jewish year. In fact, we are commanded to be “happy,”… some mark this occasion by drinking wine and spirits to the point that we no longer can distinguish (“Ad D’lo Yada” TB Megillah 7b) between two of the Book of Esther’s main characters: the saintly Mordechai and evil Haman (Do understand this “mitzvah” can just as easily be accomplished by napping during the day!)
On a second level, this tongue in cheek short story or novelette, called in Hebrew “Megillat Esther”, the “Book of Esther” is filled with hatred, violence, and blood… it is then a tale of both horror and, ultimately, of sheer survival.
On a universal level, Megillat Esther speaks of the treachery of Haman and his willingness to commit genocide to advance his political career and feed his passions. One lesson then that the book can teach us is that every human being hides behind a mask, that no one is 100% honest with others or even with him or herself, and that holiness comes from the unmasking of our less righteous… our less pleasant side and exposing it to the light of truth and goodness.
So why do we have the merriment of Purim? Why is there the drinking, the total chaos at our readings, the eating of Oznei-haMann (Hamentashen)?
Is the holiday teaching us that every human being will confront his or her own “Haman”? Does Purim teach us that part of life is accepting that there are people in this world who hate simply for the sake of hating and use treachery for personal gain?
Faced with this reality, Purim transmits many lessons, among which are: (1) life is a mixed bag, there is goodness in it, but also evil (2) it is our task the distinguish between the two and then to defend ourselves against the evil, and (3) once the evil moment has passed, Purim reminds us not to dwell on past hurts but instead turn that anger into joy and our fears into hopes. It reminds us that we dare not dwell too much on past hurts. While memories act as warnings, when they overpower our lives, then we only hurt ourselves!
Purim’s magic is that it turns tragedy into parody. Purim, the story of national survival teaches us that while we dare not forget our history, we must also move beyond history, and learn to live joyful and productive lives. In a world with all too many Hamans, this is an important lesson for all of us to learn.
Finally, there are four Mitzvot and one Minhag (custom) we are asked to fulfill for Purim!
1. Listen to a Megillah Reading.
2. “Mishloach Manot” (Gifts to friends). We are asked to give gifts of food to at least one friend on Purim.
3. “Matanot LaEvyonim” – Gifts to the Poor and those in need on the streets around us.
4. Purim Feast. Have a special meal to mark the day.
5. Machatzit HaShekel – The half shekel coin was donated by the entire Jewish people when the Temple stood. Today, the custom is to make a donation to your synagogue (https://www.kehilatgesher.org/faire-don/) or other worthy Jewish institution.
Pourim samé’ah