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Sunday, February 21, 2027

Halachic Times (Zmanim)
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Purim Katan
Jewish History

According to tradition, Moses was born on the 7th of Adar I, today was the 8th day of his life and the day on which he was circumcised in accordance with the Divine command to Abraham.

Laws and Customs

In regular years, the 14th of Adar is Purim, the festival that celebrates 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 -- Purim is celebrated in Adar II, and the 14th of Adar I is designated as Purim Kattan, the "Little Purim." There are no special observances, however, associated with 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).

Link: Always Happy

Daily Thought

Behind intolerance hides the most primal sense of ego, a clandestine belief that “I and my kind are the only thing that should be.”

People may give reasons for their intolerance, but the reasons are secondary. They despise others for the space they consume. Stripped to the bone, it is senseless hatred without reason.

It is the core of all evil. It is what holds the human soul in exile from the garden.

And its only cure is in unbridled acts of kindness, in opening your heart to the other guy regardless of how different and distant the other guy may be.

Caring beyond reason.

Kuntres Hechaltzu 5699.