PURIM: MORE THAN MASKS & HAMANTASCHEN

March 5, 2017

Bruce and I are still in Coconut Creek, Florida. We now attend Shabbat Services at Temple Beth Am in Margate, Florida. Unfortunately, the synagogue right outside the gate of Wynmoor did close, due to financial difficulties. We like Beth Am very much and enjoy Rabbi Kieffer’s sermons. The Rebittzin, Melinda Kieffer, hosted a discussion session about Purim. I’d like to share some of the subjects we discussed at that session, and my thoughts since then.

Underlying Themes in Megillat Esther: anti-semitism, potential genocide, intermarriage, leadership (willing or unwilling), Jewish pride/identity.

The story of Purim is very dark; we barely avoided the elimination of the Jewish People. How do you teach Purim to children?

Why Masks & Hamantaschen : Purim needs to be explained age-appropriate for children – through fun activities, some of these themes are expressed.

Our ancestors came up with the brilliant idea of teaching Purim through comedy and happiness. We eat delicious Hamantaschen, the shape of Haman’s Hat. We make noise with groggers during the Megillah every time Haman’s name is spoken. We have a Purim Carnival with costumes and gaiety. We have a Purim Shpiel to celebrate the story of Purim and our survival through the ages.

There are four Mitzvot/Halashot/Laws for Observing Purim:

1. Megillah Reading – Book of Esther – The Megillah is read twice on Purim, once at night and the next morning. In order to properly fulfill the mitzvah of Megillah, it is necessary to hear every word during the reading. For this reason, it is imperative that people not talk to each other during the Megillah reading. **

2. Mishloach Manot/ Shalach Manos: – Sending Gifts – We give Mishloach Manot. Why? We give gifts of food to make sure that everyone has sufficient food for the Purim feast and to increase love and friendship between Jews, thereby dismissing Haman’s accusations that there is strife and dissension among Jews. This is an ideal opportunity to repair broken relationships by sending packages to people with whom one has ill feelings.

3. Matanot La’evyonim = Gifts to the Poor – One must give to two poor individuals, preferably enough money for a meal, or the equivalent in food. This mitzvah may be fulfilled beforehand by donating to an organization that will distribute the money or food for Purim Day.

4. Seudah – Festive Meal – One is obligated to partake in a festive meal on Purim day. The bare minimum to fulfill this mitzvah requires that one ritually wash (netillat yadayim), eat bread and than recite the Birkat Hamazon, the Grace after Meals.

**Every time we drown out Haman’s name and we drown out the hate in our society. Every time we give out Mishloach Manot, we celebrate love and our commitment to the Jewish Community and our greater community, our neighbors, friends, etc.

Underlying Themes in Megillat Esther: anti-semitism, potential genocide, intermarriage, leadership (willing of unwilling) Jewish pride/identity.

1. We discussed how Mordechai may have experienced anti-semitism in Persia and perhaps that is why he wanted Esther to assume a role where she might be able to influence King Ahasuerus.

2. The Tanach orders us not to bow down to anyone but G-d. Therefore, Mordechai refused to bow down to Haman. Mordechai would not have bowed down to King Ahasuerus either. Senator Lieberman only nodded his head when presented to Queen Elizabeth in England. Should children bow down to each other in martial arts? What is your opinion?

3. That the Tanach has the story or King Ahasuerus dethroning Queen Vashti because she refused to dance nude — is amazing. As a child, I learned that Queen Vashti refused to come to the party. What did you learn?

4. Equally amazing is the Tanach including a beauty contest, one with no questions about peace or making the world better. Only beauty was considered. Yet Mordechai wanted Esther to enter and win so that she would be in the palace and maybe be able to help the Jewish people. Obviously, he feared that bad times might be coming.

5. Why have the Jews survived throughout the ages. The Romans are gone; the Greeks, as they were then, are gone. What has helped us survive and flourish up to the present day?

Basic Storyline: Story is found in the Book of Esther (Megillat Ester, the 3rd part of TANACH – Torah (Chumash), Nevim (Prophets), Ketuvim (Scrolls)

1. King Ahasuerus dethrones Queen Vashti – Why?

2. Esther is crowned queen after winning a beauty contest. Why does she enter the beauty contest?

3. Mordecai uncovers a plot to kill the king and reports it. How? Does he feels that the King is good and Haman is seeking power?

4. King Ahasuerus promotes Haman, making him more powerful than all the other officials.

5. Mordecai refuses to bow before Haman (a close confidant of the king).

6. Haman seeks to destroy the Jews after his run-in with Haman.

7. Mordecai appeals to Esther to save her people. Esther approaches King Ahasuerus and invites him and Haman to a banquet.

8. Mordecai is honored for having saved the king’s life. Esther entertains the king and Haman, and invites them to a second banquet.

9. Esther pleads for her people at the second banquet. She accuses Haman.

1. The king grants Esther’s request and condemns Haman to die on the gallows that he built for the Jews.

2. The Jews defend themselves throughout Persia (against those following out the decree to destroy the Jews).

3. The holiday of Purim is established.

4. Mordecai advances to a position of importance.

Key Verses:

Esther 2:15 – Now when the time came for Esther to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than from Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem. (Why was there a need for eunuchs in the palace?)

Esther 4:14 – For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to the royal position for such a time as this. (Esther was an unwilling leader)

Esther 6:12 – Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him – you will surely come to ruin.

Esther 7:3 – If I have found favor with you, my king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life – this is my petition, and the life of my people – this is my request.

While drinking on Purim is a mitzvah, risking one’s life is not. “When one eats, drinks, and rejoices on a festival, he should not drink too much wine of engage in levity or lightheadness and say, ‘all who add to this are increasing the mitzvah of simcha’. For drunkenness, excessive laughter, and lightheadedness are not simcha, but rather debauchery and foolishness….”
Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:20)

Maimonides said it best:
“It is better to give more money “Matanot L’Evyonim” (tzrdakah for people in need) than one spends on Mishloach Manot (gift baskets) and Seurat Purim (the holiday meal), for there is no joy as great and magnificent as gladdening the hearts of people in need, including orphans, widows and converts.”
(Ramban, Hilchot Megillah 2:17)

In other words, sit and socialize with those who need s community. We are sorry to miss the Purim Shpiel and Megillah reading at Shomrei Emunah this year. We wish you all a happy and festive Purim.

Natalie and Bruce Baff