Sunday, February 24, 2013

Moses was born on the 7th of Adar of the year 2368 from creation (1393 BCE); accordingly, Adar 14 was the 8th day of his life and the day on which he was circumcised in accordance with the Divine command to Abraham.

The festival of Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's plot "to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day."

The events of Purim extended over a period of several years, culminating in the victory celebrations of Adar 14-15 of 356 BCE. Below is a timeline of the major events. For the detailed story, see the Book of Esther and The Story of Purim

Purim observances include:

a) Reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle.

b) Giving to the poor (gifts of money should be given to at least two poor people).

c) Sending gifts of food to friends (a minimum of two ready-to-eat foods to at least one friend).

d) The Purim feast.

e) Reciting the Al Hanissim prayer.

Customs include dressing up in disguising costumes and the traditional Purim food, the hamantash. For more detailed information, see links below.

(In Jerusalem and other ancient walled cities, the festival is observed tomorrow--see entries for Adar 15.)

Virtual Purim (a website offering the story of Purim, detailed How-To's, articles and essays, games, Purim songs and video clips, and a global Purim costume contest).

A Purim anthology

The Book of Esther with commentary

People imagine a place of G‑dliness as a place for seriousness, a solemn place, a place that fills you with trepidation. The fact is, where there is G‑d, there is joy.

That is why our every moment is a moment to celebrate and fill with joy. Because at every moment we are fulfilling our mission of bringing G‑dliness into this world. Not just the obviously joyful matters, such as meditation, study, prayer and good deeds, but also regular, mundane activities and the ways we earn an income and go about life -all are ways by which we know Him and bring Him into our world.