Purim is the festival which commemorates the breathtaking Jewish victory over the murderous designs of Haman. It is a story of great courage and self-sacrifice, first and foremost by Queen Esther and Mordechai, and ultimately by the whole Jewish nation. This joyous festival reveals the hidden hand of G-d in the event of man.
Haman, who descended from the Jew-hating tribe of Amalek, devised a scheme to solve the Jewish problem once and for all by annihilating every Jew.
Modechai, a descendant of King Saul and advisor to King Achashverosh, sensed the danger. He called for his niece, Queen Esther, and told her that she must go to the king and plead for her people. Haman was defeated and the Jewish people were saved. They celebrated the holiday of Purim.
To relive the miraculous events of Purim, we listen to the reading of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther) on Saturday night, March 19 and again on Sunday, March 20 during the day. When Haman’s name is mentioned, we twirl ‘graggers’ and stamp our feet to drown out his evil name. Tell the children Purim is the only time when it’s a mitzvah to make noise!
On Purim we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends. Send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods to at least one friend on Sunday, March 20.
Concern for the needy is a year round responsibility for the Jew. On Purim, particularly, it is a special mitzvah to remember the poor. Give charity to at least two, but preferably more, needy individuals.
As on all festivals, we celebrate Purim with a special festive meal on Sunday, March 20 when family and friends gather together to rejoice in the Purim spirit.
Make a Purim Treat
Hamantaschen, a traditional Purim delight, is a three-cornered pastry.
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup oil
1/2 cup margarine
3 eggs
4 cups flour
1/2 cup orange juice
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
2 lbs. filling or jam
Cream sugar, oil and margarine.
Add eggs and juice and mix well. Blend with dry ingredients and roll into a ball. Divide into four parts. Roll out each piece very thin on a floured board. With the rim of a cup or glass, cut into the dough to make circles. Place ½ teaspoon of filling in the middle of each circle.
To shape into triangle, lift up right and left sides, leaving the bottom side down, and bring both sides to meet at center, above the filling. Lift bottom side up to center to meet other two sides.
Brush dough with beaten egg before baking. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350˚ for approximately 20 minutes.
Message of Purim
Each year, when we celebrate Purim, the miracles are remembered and reenacted in our lives. May this most joyous of Jewish festivals bring joy to you and all your loved ones.
Happy Purim!
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Rabbi David Laine is the Director of Chabad Vocational Schools.
