Purim falls on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar and on the 15th in Jerusalem. It is a celebration of the events described in the Scroll of Esther. The holiday, with its joyous carnival-like atmosphere, focuses on one of the main themes in Jewish history: the survival of the Jewish people despite the attempts of their enemies to destroy them.
The Story of Esther, taking place 2,500 years ago in Persia/Iran, recalls the dangers of minority status. Hatred of the foreigner and the stranger is still prevalent throughout the world. Anti-Semitism has not disappeared, but despite everything, the Jewish people have survived. Purim, however, is most of all a happy story -- a story of survival and triumph over evil.
Purim celebrates a Jewish community on the verge of destruction that turns its eminent demise into a rousing victory, and the happy ending to the Megillah has provided hope to millions of oppressed Jews.
There is no question that the current anti-Semitic regime in Iran, as well as the terrorist organizations they support, knows about Purim. In recent years we have had many reminders that there are those who would destroy us; this year we pray that they won't be successful in their campaigns of destruction.
Our holiday is a yearly reminder that we have enemies, and that our enemies, in the end, cannot triumph. Jews in times of peace forget the first point and those in trouble must not lose sight of the second.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday night, March 15th at 7 p.m., as we celebrate Purim with our special Megillah reading/musical celebration featuring Wendee. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume and let loose!
And the next day, join us for our Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 16th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring Mad Dog’s mobile gaming truck, bouncy castles and games, this year at Temple Beth Ami!
Be Happy it’s Adar,
Rabbi Mark Blazer
The Story of Esther, taking place 2,500 years ago in Persia/Iran, recalls the dangers of minority status. Hatred of the foreigner and the stranger is still prevalent throughout the world. Anti-Semitism has not disappeared, but despite everything, the Jewish people have survived. Purim, however, is most of all a happy story -- a story of survival and triumph over evil.
Purim celebrates a Jewish community on the verge of destruction that turns its eminent demise into a rousing victory, and the happy ending to the Megillah has provided hope to millions of oppressed Jews.
There is no question that the current anti-Semitic regime in Iran, as well as the terrorist organizations they support, knows about Purim. In recent years we have had many reminders that there are those who would destroy us; this year we pray that they won't be successful in their campaigns of destruction.
Our holiday is a yearly reminder that we have enemies, and that our enemies, in the end, cannot triumph. Jews in times of peace forget the first point and those in trouble must not lose sight of the second.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday night, March 15th at 7 p.m., as we celebrate Purim with our special Megillah reading/musical celebration featuring Wendee. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume and let loose!
And the next day, join us for our Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 16th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring Mad Dog’s mobile gaming truck, bouncy castles and games, this year at Temple Beth Ami!
Be Happy it’s Adar,
Rabbi Mark Blazer
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