Listen Up!

Head to your synagogue and get the whole Megillah. The Megillah, a.k.a. "The Book of Esther," is the scroll that tells the Purim story. Listen to the public reading twice: once Purim Night and again on Purim Day. This year, that's Saturday night, March 19, and Purim day, March 20, 2011. Pay attention—it is crucial to hear every word.

When Haman's name is mentioned in the reading, children twirl graggers (noisemakers) and adults stamp their feet to eradicate his evil name. Tell your kids that Purim is the only time when it's a mitzvah to make noise!

The Megillah is read by a professional from a handwritten parchment scroll, using an age-old tune. Contact your local Chabad rabbi if for any reason you can't make it to your synagogue for the Megillah reading. He'll do his best to send a Megillah reader to your home or office.