Showing posts with label purim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label purim. Show all posts
2/25/13
2/22/13
PURIM SAMEACH
TO YOU ALL HAVE A JOYFULL PURIM
''For the Jews there was light, gladness, joy, and honor - so may it be for us.''
[From the prefatory verses of the Havdalah ceremony recited at the conclusion of Shabbat, based on Esther 8:16]
by Rabbi Shlomo HaLevi Alkabetz From "Manos HaLevi"
Translation by R. Carmel Kehati [words in brackets are the translator's additions]
"And thus I [Esther] will approach the king." [Esther 4:16]
Translation by R. Carmel Kehati [words in brackets are the translator's additions]
"And thus I [Esther] will approach the king." [Esther 4:16]
Rabbi Yosef Gackon writes, concerning Esther's three-day fast, that
Esther [in fasting for exactly three days] had the following kabbalistic
intention. Namely, that three days and nights contain seventy-two
hours, and "B'chen" ["thus", in 4:16] equals seventy-two numerically [in
letter-gematria], corresponding to the [exalted 72-letter] Name of G-d
hinted in the three verses [that begin], "Vayisa",
"Vayavo","Vayet" [Exodus 14:19, 20, 21, each of which contain
seventy-two letters precisely]. It was with the power of this Name that
G-d split the [Red] sea and had the Israelites cross over, and He guided
them in His protection and they had no fear [of the enemy].
From that Name, [the flow of] the Divine life-force comes to Esther's
supernal [corresponding]sefira; for Esther [as our Sages say] was
greenish [olive skinned] in complexion [green is a color associated with
the sefira Chesed, Divine kindness, as the life-flow descends through
the upper worlds]. Esther, with the power of these seventy-two hours,
approached [G-d], King of the world, in her prayers; for she was sure of
His help [that He would answer her and save the Jews]. Then, in this
[lowly physical] world, she approached King Ahasuerus.
Much more at: Secrets in the Book of Esther
Much more at: Secrets in the Book of Esther
2/20/13
Laws of Mishloach Manot
In-depth laws for how to do the mitzvah correctly!
1. How does one perform this mitzvah?
On the day of Purim one must send two items of food to at least one person.
2. What is the reason for this mitzvah?
- To ensure that everyone has sufficient food for the Purim feast.
- To increase love and friendship between Jews, thereby dismissing
Haman’s accusations that there is strife and dissention among Jews. This
is an ideal opportunity to repair broken relationships by sending
packages to people with whom one has ill feelings.
3. Is it praiseworthy to send to many people?
Yes, it is praiseworthy, but it is better to spend more on gifts to
the poor (Matanot La’evyonim) than on Mishloach Manot. There is no
greater joy than gladdening the hearts of orphans, widows, and needy
people. One who does so is likened to G-d, as it says about Him “to
revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the
downtrodden” (Isaiah 57:15).
4. Are all types of food suitable?
Preferably, one should send food that is ready to be eaten
immediately. For example, raw meat or fish that requires cooking should
not be sent, unless other ready-to-eat foods are also included.
5. May one send two portions of the same food?
No, the two food items must be different. However it is not necessary
for the items to require two different blessings. For example, one may
send two different cakes or two fruits.
6. May one send a drink?
Yes, drinks are also suitable. One may send two different drinks, or one food and one drink.
7. What is the minimum quantity of food?
Ideally, the food should be of a respectable quantity according to
the standards of the sender and recipient. Therefore, one should send a
nicer package to a wealthy person than to a poor person, and a wealthy
person should send a nicer package than a poor person.
8. Is it better to send a large number of small gifts, or a small number of large gifts?
At least one package should be of respectable size and any additional
packages may be small “token” packages. This is better than sending a
large number of small “token” packages.
9. May one use ma’aser (10% tzedakah) money to buy the food?
At least one package must be bought without ma’aser money. If a
person wishes to send additional packages to poor people, he may use
ma’aser money.
10. Are women obligated to perform this mitzvah?
Yes, since they were also included in the Purim miracle.
11. May a husband and wife send jointly?
Yes. A note should be attached indicating that the package is being sent on behalf of both of them.
12. Should children below bar/bat mitzvah perform this mitzvah?
Children aged six should be trained to perform the mitzvah.
13. Can children who live at home fulfill the mitzvah with the parents’ package?
According to some opinions, a package may be sent on behalf of the
entire family. According to another opinion, only a husband and wife may
send together, but children should send separately. If children prepare
their own packages from food in their parents’ home, they should be
allowed to acquire the food before sending it.
14. May two or more people send jointly?
Yes, but the package should contain the correct quantity for each of the senders.
15. May one send to a mourner?
No. If another member of the family is not in mourning, the package may be addressed to the family.
16. Is a mourner obligated to send?
Yes, but the package should not be too elaborate. According to some
opinions, the mourner should preferably send to one person only. Other
members of the family may send many packages.
17. If a person receives a package, must he reciprocate and send one in return?
It is praiseworthy to do so, but not an obligation.
18. May one give the package personally?
According to the prevalent custom, one may give the package
personally. According to some opinions, it is preferable to send the
package via a third person since the verse (Esther 9: 22) describes the
mitzvah as sending food packages to one another.
19. May one use a child as a messenger?
Yes, but one should confirm that the package was delivered, since one
may not automatically assume that the child carried out the task. One
need not be concerned about this if another package was delivered
personally or via an adult.
20. May one use a delivery service?
A reliable delivery service may be used.
21. May one send an anonymous package?
Since one of the purposes of the mitzvah is to increase love and
friendship between people, it is important for the recipient to know who
sent the package. Therefore, the messenger should tell the recipient
who the sender is, or an identifying note should be attached to the
package.
22. What if the intended recipient is not home?
- If the sender intended to give the package to a specific person, it
would not be sufficient to deliver it to another member of the family
(unless he is sure that the package will be given on Purim).
- If the sender did not intend to give the package to a specific
member of the family, the package may be given to anyone in the family.
- If no one is home, it is advisable not to leave the package there,
since the sender would not fulfill his obligation if the food were not
received on Purim. He may leave the package there if he does not rely on
this to fulfill his obligation, but sends another package to someone
else.
23. May one send the package before Purim or on the evening of Purim?
- Ideally, the package should be both sent and delivered on Purim during the day.
- If the package is sent before Purim but delivered on the day of
Purim, it is questionable whether he has fulfilled his obligation.
- If the package is sent and delivered before Purim or on the evening of Purim, he has not fulfilled his obligation.
2/19/13
13th of Adar The fast of Esther
1) The fast begins at dawn ("Alot Hashachar") and ends after nightfall ("Tzait Hakochavim").
2) No eating or drinking is permitted. Though other aspects -- like wearing shoes and washing -- are permitted.
3) Since this is not a major fast, pregnant or
nursing women are exempt from the fast, as are moderately ill people. If
one is otherwise healthy but has a headache and finds it difficult to
fast, he may eat, but is obligated to "make up" the fast another time.
In all cases, a competent rabbi should be consulted.
4) If the 13th falls on Shabbat, we don't fast
that day, due to the honor of Shabbat. The fast is not even held on
Friday, since this would adversely affect Shabbat preparations. Rather,
we observe the fast on Thursday, the 11th of Adar.
5) It is customary to extend the fast until after
the Megillah is read. (Except in walled cities, where the Megillah is
read on the night of the 15th.)
6) During the afternoon Mincha prayers, the paragraph of Aneinu is added to the silent Amidah, during the blessing of Shema Koleinu. In both Shacharit and Mincha, the chazan inserts Aneinu as a separate blessing between Geulah and Refuah.
7) As on other public fasts, the Torah reading of Vayechal Moshe (Exodus 32:11-14, 34:1-10) is read both at Shacharit and Mincha.
8) If a Brit Milah falls on the Fast of Esther,
the Seudat Mitzvah should be be postponed until the evening. The father,
mother, and Sandek may even eat during the afternoon of the fast day,
since it is considered like their "holiday." (Sha'ar HaTziun 686:16)
9) Avinu Malkeinu is said only in
Shacharit, but not in Mincha. (An exception is if Purim falls on Sunday
and the fast is observed on Thursday, then Avinu Malkeinu is in fact said in Mincha.)
(www.aish.com)
TZOM KAL !
Purim baskets for soldiers
Purim is few days to come.
Please, if you can, remenber to send mishloach manot to our soldiers.
It makes them happy and it is affordable.
Let them feel we thank them for defending Israel.Purim Sameach to you all!
2/18/13
12 reasons why Esther invited Haman to the party
Esther puts her life in jeopardy to come before Achashveirosh to plead the Jewish cause without being called. A miracle occurs and he stretches out his royal scepter granting her life and permission to speak. What does she say? Can you and Haman come to a party! What was she thinking? What was the brilliant strategy here? The gemara brings opinions of Tanaim and Amora'im. When Raba bar Avuha meets Eliyahu HaNavi he asks him which opinion is correct. His answer? All of them.
1. She was hoping he would make a mistake and do something to get himself in trouble while drinking - Rebbi Eliezer -
2. The pasuk in Mishlei (25:21)says, "Im Ra'ev Sonacha Hachileihu Lechem", if you enemy is hungry feed him bread. - Rebbi Yehoshua -
3. To bring him close so that he should not contemplate a rebellion against Achashveirosh, totally dooming the Yehudim. - Rebbi Meir -
4. So that they would have no idea that she was Jewish - Rebbi Yehuda -
5. So the Yehudim would not rely on the fact that the Queen is one of theirs and they would turn to Hashem as their only hope. - Rebbi Nechemia -
6. She wanted Haman nearby so that maybe she will find a way to trip him up. Rebbi Yosi -
7. So Hashem should pity her for having to stoop so low to flatter this Rasha - Rebbi Shimon ben Menasya -
8. To lead Achashveirosh to believe that she was having an illicit relationship with Haman and hopefully he would kill both of them and spare the Yehudim. - Rebbi Yehoshua ben Karcha -
9. She wanted Haman nearby when she complained to Achashveirosh so he would kill him on the spot and not change his mind until he finds him. - Raban Gamliel
10. To make Achashveirosh jealous that this Minister is on the same level as his highness the king - Rebbi Eliezer HaModa'i -
11. A person must reach his peak power before his downfall - Rabba -
12. Parties tend to end in disaster for the King like Balshatzar whoi was murdered and Achashveirosh's first party where Vashti was killed. - Rava & Abaye -
2. The pasuk in Mishlei (25:21)says, "Im Ra'ev Sonacha Hachileihu Lechem", if you enemy is hungry feed him bread. - Rebbi Yehoshua -
3. To bring him close so that he should not contemplate a rebellion against Achashveirosh, totally dooming the Yehudim. - Rebbi Meir -
4. So that they would have no idea that she was Jewish - Rebbi Yehuda -
5. So the Yehudim would not rely on the fact that the Queen is one of theirs and they would turn to Hashem as their only hope. - Rebbi Nechemia -
6. She wanted Haman nearby so that maybe she will find a way to trip him up. Rebbi Yosi -
7. So Hashem should pity her for having to stoop so low to flatter this Rasha - Rebbi Shimon ben Menasya -
8. To lead Achashveirosh to believe that she was having an illicit relationship with Haman and hopefully he would kill both of them and spare the Yehudim. - Rebbi Yehoshua ben Karcha -
9. She wanted Haman nearby when she complained to Achashveirosh so he would kill him on the spot and not change his mind until he finds him. - Raban Gamliel
10. To make Achashveirosh jealous that this Minister is on the same level as his highness the king - Rebbi Eliezer HaModa'i -
11. A person must reach his peak power before his downfall - Rabba -
12. Parties tend to end in disaster for the King like Balshatzar whoi was murdered and Achashveirosh's first party where Vashti was killed. - Rava & Abaye -
Source: Megila 15b
3/27/12
3/8/12
Purim in the streets
All over Israel today, school children dressed up in costumes, including some very big kids!
See more on rjstreets 3/7/12
PURIM SAMEACH!!!
Our homemade Purim baskets are ready for tomorrow for our friends.
Have a joyfull and happy Purim day!
פורים שמח
From Yaakov to Mordechai
When Yaakov saw that Esav was coming he went ahead of [his family] and bowed down seven times until he reached his brother. (Bereishis 33:3)
It says in Sefer Hakinuyim that Mordechai was the reincarnation of Yaakov and Haman the reincarnation of Esav. Since Yaakov did wrong by bowing before Esav seven times, Mordechai came and repaired Yaakov's failing by refusing to bow down to Haman.
The question is, how could Yaakov, the most perfect of the patriarchs, bow down to the wicked Esav? He surely knew that it is forbidden to greet an evildoer.
The answer is: Yaakov did not do anything wrong. When he prostrated himself he was bowing down to the Shechinah that was coming to meet him.
Then why is it counted as a failing that needs rectification? Yaakov was guilty of giving a false impression to his wives and his children, causing them to think that he was bowing down toEsav.
Mordechai repaired this misstep by refusing to bow down to Haman.
PURIM SAMEACH!
From KABBALAH: Selections from Classic Kabbalistic Works from Raziel HaMalach to the Present Day (Targum Press).
3/6/12
13th of Adar, the fast of Esther
HALACHAS OF FAST OF ESTHER
1) The fast begins at dawn ("Alot Hashachar") and ends after nightfall ("Tzait Hakochavim").
2) No eating or drinking is permitted. Though other aspects -- like wearing shoes and washing -- are permitted.
3) Since this is not a major fast, pregnant or
nursing women are exempt from the fast, as are moderately ill people. If
one is otherwise healthy but has a headache and finds it difficult to
fast, he may eat, but is obligated to "make up" the fast another time.
In all cases, a competent rabbi should be consulted.
4) If the 13th falls on Shabbat, we don't fast
that day, due to the honor of Shabbat. The fast is not even held on
Friday, since this would adversely affect Shabbat preparations. Rather,
we observe the fast on Thursday, the 11th of Adar.
5) It is customary to extend the fast until after
the Megillah is read. (Except in walled cities, where the Megillah is
read on the night of the 15th.)
6) During the afternoon Mincha prayers, the paragraph of Aneinu is added to the silent Amidah, during the blessing of Shema Koleinu. In both Shacharit and Mincha, the chazan inserts Aneinu as a separate blessing between Geulah and Refuah.
7) As on other public fasts, the Torah reading of Vayechal Moshe (Exodus 32:11-14, 34:1-10) is read both at Shacharit and Mincha.
8) If a Brit Milah falls on the Fast of Esther,
the Seudat Mitzvah should be be postponed until the evening. The father,
mother, and Sandek may even eat during the afternoon of the fast day,
since it is considered like their "holiday." (Sha'ar HaTziun 686:16)
9) Avinu Malkeinu is said only in
Shacharit, but not in Mincha. (An exception is if Purim falls on Sunday
and the fast is observed on Thursday, then Avinu Malkeinu is in fact said in Mincha.)
(www.aish.com)
TZOM KAL !
Beyond knowledge
Purim is often regarded as a children's festival: certainly, children enjoy the dressing up and the waving of the gragger - (noise-maker) when Haman's name is mentioned in the Megillah. Yet the Sages tell us it is far more than this.
In the time of the Mossiach, they say, when all the sacred writings of the Torah will be very accessible and understandable, the Megillah will still retain a mysterious power.
Why is this? When we read it today, it seems a straightforward story of what happened. And yet... One intriguing detail which the Sages point out is that the Megillah is the only Book in the Tanach which does not contain the Name of G-d.
This is a clue.
Purim gives us access to the "hiddenness" of G-d, the essence of the Infinite beyond ordinary Knowledge. G-d's Name is absent from the Megillah, yet the very word Megillah means both 'scroll' and "reveal". On Purim the hiddenness of G-d is somehow revealed.
How? How can the unknowable be known? Through joy. The joy and special atmosphere of the festival are described as reaching exalted heights. On Purim our existence was threatened, simply because we are Jews. Miraculously, evil was transformed into good, darkness into light. Purim is the ultimate story of the secret of existence...
source
3/5/12
our hamantaschen
3/4/12
12 reasons why Esther invited Haman to the party
Esther puts her
life in jeopardy to come before Achashveirosh to plead the Jewish cause
without being called. A miracle occurs and he stretches out his royal
scepter granting her life and permission to speak. What does she say?
Can you and Haman come to a party! What was she thinking? What was
the brilliant strategy here? The gemara brings opinions of Tanaim and Amora'im. When Raba bar Avuha meets Eliyahu HaNavi he asks him which opinion is correct. His answer? All of them.
1. She was hoping he would make a mistake and do something to get himself in trouble while drinking - Rebbi Eliezer -
2. The pasuk in Mishlei (25:21)says, "Im Ra'ev Sonacha Hachileihu Lechem", if you enemy is hungry feed him bread. - Rebbi Yehoshua -
3. To bring him close so that he should not contemplate a rebellion against Achashveirosh, totally dooming the Yehudim. - Rebbi Meir -
4. So that they would have no idea that she was Jewish - Rebbi Yehuda -
5. So the Yehudim would not rely on the fact that the Queen is one of theirs and they would turn to Hashem as their only hope. - Rebbi Nechemia -
6. She wanted Haman nearby so that maybe she will find a way to trip him up. Rebbi Yosi -
7. So Hashem should pity her for having to stoop so low to flatter this Rasha - Rebbi Shimon ben Menasya -
8. To lead Achashveirosh to believe that she was having an illicit relationship with Haman and hopefully he would kill both of them and spare the Yehudim. - Rebbi Yehoshua ben Karcha -
9. She wanted Haman nearby when she complained to Achashveirosh so he would kill him on the spot and not change his mind until he finds him. - Raban Gamliel
10. To make Achashveirosh jealous that this Minister is on the same level as his highness the king - Rebbi Eliezer HaModa'i -
11. A person must reach his peak power before his downfall - Rabba -
12. Parties tend to end in disaster for the King like Balshatzar whoi was murdered and Achashveirosh's first party where Vashti was killed. - Rava & Abaye -
1. She was hoping he would make a mistake and do something to get himself in trouble while drinking - Rebbi Eliezer -
2. The pasuk in Mishlei (25:21)says, "Im Ra'ev Sonacha Hachileihu Lechem", if you enemy is hungry feed him bread. - Rebbi Yehoshua -
3. To bring him close so that he should not contemplate a rebellion against Achashveirosh, totally dooming the Yehudim. - Rebbi Meir -
4. So that they would have no idea that she was Jewish - Rebbi Yehuda -
5. So the Yehudim would not rely on the fact that the Queen is one of theirs and they would turn to Hashem as their only hope. - Rebbi Nechemia -
6. She wanted Haman nearby so that maybe she will find a way to trip him up. Rebbi Yosi -
7. So Hashem should pity her for having to stoop so low to flatter this Rasha - Rebbi Shimon ben Menasya -
8. To lead Achashveirosh to believe that she was having an illicit relationship with Haman and hopefully he would kill both of them and spare the Yehudim. - Rebbi Yehoshua ben Karcha -
9. She wanted Haman nearby when she complained to Achashveirosh so he would kill him on the spot and not change his mind until he finds him. - Raban Gamliel
10. To make Achashveirosh jealous that this Minister is on the same level as his highness the king - Rebbi Eliezer HaModa'i -
11. A person must reach his peak power before his downfall - Rabba -
12. Parties tend to end in disaster for the King like Balshatzar whoi was murdered and Achashveirosh's first party where Vashti was killed. - Rava & Abaye -
Source: Megila 15b
The book of Esther goes Western
"The Good, The Bad & the Ugly" an animated video based on the book
of Esther, in memory of Udi Fogel.
Commentary is based on traditional
Jewish sources and an essay written by the Rabbi Jonathan Blass:
"Pluralism, Antisemtism, and man's strive to divinity".
Director and writer: Shlomo Blass
Illustrations and Animation: Ofer Winter
Narration: Gedaliah Gurfein
Sound Editing: Soundlab Studios
Script consultant: Chananya Blass
Director and writer: Shlomo Blass
Illustrations and Animation: Ofer Winter
Narration: Gedaliah Gurfein
Sound Editing: Soundlab Studios
Script consultant: Chananya Blass
3/3/12
Purim character masks with children
Four delightful masks of Purim characters that can be used in a variety of exciting ways.
Children can decorate their masks and use them as props to dress-up or to help them
act out and dramatize the Purim story.
Instructions:Children can decorate their masks and use them as props to dress-up or to help them
act out and dramatize the Purim story.
1. Color in the masks and then decorate them with sequins, glitter, stickers, fabric, etc.
2. cut out the eyes, nose, and mouth
3. Attach strings by the temples.
Megillah Esther case with children
Children can create their own megillah case using an aluminum foil roll which makes for a perfect carrying case.
Materials Needed:• Aluminum foil box and roll
• Stiff white paper and contact paper
• Colored decorations and jewels
• Markers
• Label with Hebrew words “Megillas Esther”
• Tape
Instructions:
For the case:
1. CAREFULLY remove the metal teeth from the edge of the aluminum foil box.
2. Cover the whole box with the contact paper.
3. Decorate the top of the box .
4. Paste the Megillas Esther label on the side of the box.
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