916 ne 65th, Ste. 693 seattle. WA 98115
205-524»3332 800-568«3395
Camp Solomon Schechter
Located in Olympia, WA, Camp Solomon Schechter
rests on 1 60 scenic acres including our own private lake.
Now registering for:
Oded Program HtoBy^
leadership training for 11th and 12th graders (fulfills high school community service hours)
6S% ASs^
Sans
July 27
70%
ll Aug 18
Purim
The whole megillah
Your guide to the customs of Purim celebrations.
Purim is a joyous festival, celebrating our deliverance from Haman's plot to destroy the Jewish people in the days of Persia's King Aha-suerus and Queen Esther. The story of Purim is recorded in the Megillah (Book of Esther). Although the Megillah takes us back more than 23 centuries, its lessons are relevant to all times.
Haman argued that "there is one people, dispersed and divided among the nations ... and their laws are different from those of any other people." Haman claimed that Jewish scparateness and refusal to assimilate with the prevalent culture was not good for the state, nor for them.
However, deliverance of the Jews came, not through altering the character and essence of the Jewish people, but through the strengthening of Jewish unity and identity.
This not only saved the Jewish people from their enemies, but it also ultimately brought new prosperity to all states in the empire of King Ahasuerus, when he entrusted the affairs of state to Mordechai.
The lesson for us is clean Jews •are dispersed and scattered among the nations of the world. We do not secure our own position and benefit the society in which we live by doing away with Jewish.identity and Tor-ah observance or by imitating our neighbors.
The preservation of Jewish identity is the only way to ensure our continued existence and to gain the confidence and respect of the nations of the world. Here are some ways to. celebrate Purim:
Listen to the Megillah
The word megillah simply means scroll. The Megillah of Esther recounts the infamous plot to destroy the Jewish people and how this plot was foiled. To re-enact and re-live the miraculous events of Purim wo listen to the reading of the Megillah twice: Monday evening, March
1, and again on Tuesday, March
2, during the day.
Sending gifts to friends
Purim emphasizes Jewish imity and friendship and is therefore commemorated by sending gifts of food to friends and
family alike. Send a kit of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods such as cakes, sweets, fruits or beverages to a friend or two.
The gifts, which men send to men, and women send to women, should be delivered by a third party. In the Megillah, the sending of gifts is called misli-loach manot.
Gifts to the poor
Concerns for the needy is a year-round responsibility for Jews. At Purim, particularly, it is a special mitzvah (good deed) to remember the poor.
Give charity to two or more needy individuals. This mitzvah is best filled by giving directly to the poor. If you cannot find poor people, place at least two coins in a pushka - charity box. In the Megillah, this mitzvah is called matanot la'evyonim.
The Purim meal
Purim is celebrated with a festive meal "when all the family gathers together and rejoice in the Purim spirit.
Fast of Esther
The day before Purim we fast. This commemorates the day of prayer and fasting the Jews held before their victorious battle.
Machatzit Hashekel
The traditional performance Machatzit Hashckcl should be' done before minchah on Monday, -March 4, in the synagogue.
Al Hanissim
Remember to say the special prayer for Purim beginning with Al Hanissim in the Ami-dab prayers and in the Grace After Meals.
Involve the children
As for all mitzvot, encourage children to fulfill the Purim mitzvot.
Jewish children have always been innovative, especially when • it comes to having fun on Purim. Children were surely among the first to use noise makers during the reading of the Megillah to drown-out the name of Haman each time it is mentioned.
Even today, they stamp their feet, twirl their groggers and make a big tumult - all with relish. □
The Gray Academy
ff Jewish Education a un'wers\t\) preparatorx; Jewish day school Junior Kindergarten to Senior 4 (preschool to Grade 12) n Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada seeks a Director of Judaic Studies. The successful candidate will be committed to a pluralistic philosophy and have some administrative experience. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, overall supervision of Judaic curriculum development and implementation, the promotion of professional development opportunities for teachers and recruitment of Judaic staff. This position requires someone who will work collaboratively as a member of the administrative team and will report to the Director of Education. Qualified candidates should send a resume,by March 19 to : Mr. Jack Solomon, Director of Education, Gray Academy of Jewish Education A202-123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3N 2B4 or fax 204-477-7511 E-mail: dsimard@aspercampus.mb.ca