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Monday, February 22, 2027

Halachic Times (Zmanim)
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Shushan Purim Katan
Jewish History

On this date, in the year following the Holy Temple’s destruction, G‑d tells Ezekiel to take up a lamentation for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and for the Jewish nation’s other enemies, foretelling their ultimate downfall.

Read the prophecy here: Ezekiel ch. 32

Laws and Customs

In regular years, the 15th of Adar is Shushan Purim, the festival that celebrates -- in Jerusalem and other ancient walled cities -- the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's evil decree in the year 3405 from creation (356 BCE). In a leap year -- which has two Adars -- Shushan Purim is observed in Adar II, and the 15th of Adar I is designated as Shushan Purim Kattan, the "Minor Shushan Purim."

There are no special observances associated with Shushan Purim Kattan, other than the omission of Tachnun ("supplications") from the daily prayers and a prohibition against fasting or holding eulogies on this day. The Code of Jewish Law cites an opinion that one should increase in festivity and joy, but rules that there is no obligation to do so; "Nevertheless,a person should increase somewhat in festivity... for 'One who is of good heart is festive always' " (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 697:1).

Links: Always Happy
All About Purim
Shushan Purim

Daily Thought

Thoughts can give life. Thoughts can kill.

For example, a soldier. The Torah commands a soldier at war, “Do not allow your heart to weaken. Do not fear. Do not panic.”

Imagine this: An army is racing towards you. Your eyes have witnessed their savagery. How can you command your heart not to fear?

Maimonides explains: Don't think those thoughts and you will not fear. Dodge them as you dodge a flying arrow.

Because such thoughts threaten not only your life, they endanger the entire nation.

A soldier must think only one thought: What must I do right now?

Today, we are all soldiers.