Mordechai's Rise to Power
The king gave all the power and prestige of Haman to Mordechai. Mordechai and Esther pleaded with the king to annul the original decree that called for the annihilation of the Jewish people. The king did not annul the first decree, but issued a counter edict giving the Jews the right to defend themselves. On the 14th and 15th of Adar the Jewish people successfully defended themselves and won a great victory over their opponents. Darius, the son of Esther and Achashverosh, later became king and granted the Jews permission to rebuild the holy Temple of Jerusalem.
The Celebration of Purim
Purim is a joyous Holiday because of the great miracles that occurred. Our Rabbis therefore instituted the Holiday of Purim on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar, the day that the Jews were victorious.
Observing Purim
- Listening to the Megilla, read from a scroll (by night and by day).
- Sending varieties of food to one another (by day).
- Giving charity to the needy (by day).
- Having a festive meal, at which one traditionally partakes in some wine in the spirit of the holiday (by day).
This all serves to strengthen the sense of caring, friendship and unity between fellow Jews.
Megilla
The Megilla is read on Saturday night, February 27th, and once again Sunday February 28th, during the day. All are obligated to hear the Megilla reading. It is customary to make noise whenever Haman's name is mentioned in the Megilla, as a symbol of our derision of him.
Join us for fabulous Megilla rendition on Purim day at 11:30 a.m. At Elan Gardens 465 Venard Road in the Abingtons! Purim refreshments will be served.
The Prayer of Al Hanissim is added to our prayers and Grace after meals.
The Fast of Esther – Thursday February 25th
The Fast of Esther is usually observed on the day before Purim. This year Purim falls on Sunday, and since we do not fast on Shabbos, (other than for Yom Kippur) the fast is moved up to the preceding Thursday. We do not fast on Friday since it is improper to enter into Shabbos while fasting. The fast begins Thursday at 5:31 a.m. and ends at 6:31 p.m. (times calculated for the Scranton Abington areas)
Purim Glossary
Purim - means lots, referring to the lots that Haman drew.
Hamantashen - symbol of the three cornered hats that Haman and his militia used to wear.
Masquerade - the miracle of Purim came in a hidden way. Wearing of masks or getting dressed up is symbolic of the hidden miracles.
Mordechai and Esther
Incidentally, the tomb of Mordechai and Esther is located in the northwestern Iranian city of Hamadan, which is about 335 kilometers west of Tehran. According to tradition, Hamadan is believed to be the site of the city of Shushan, which played such a central role in the events described in the Book of Esther. The tomb is under official Iranian government protection and responsibility.
The Power of Prayer
The Talmud asks, `Why did G~d bring the threat of annihilation upon the Jews during the reign of King Achashvairosh?` Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai, the author of the Book of Kabalah answers, `Because the Jews sinned by bowing to an idol during the reign of King Nevuchadnetzar.`
G~d showed His disdain towards the Jews` rejection of this primary law not to bow to idols by having Haman decree, with Achachvairosh`s blessing, that all people in the vast kingdom were obligated to kill and destroy the Jews on the 13th day of Adar.
