Purim
The holiday of Purim falls on the Hebrew calendar date of Adar 14. Note: The Purim Feast begins at sundown of March 19 and ends at sundown on March 20.
The Story Of Purim:
It all began in Ancient Persia in the 4th century BCE. The Holy Temple that had stood in Jerusalem was destroyed more than 50 years earlier and the Jews were subjects of the mighty Persian empire which extended over 127 lands. Three years after King Ahasuerus ascended the Persian throne, when he felt secure in his new position, he celebrated by throwing a grand 180-day-long party for all his subjects. Following this extravagant gala, Ahasuerus hosted a smaller week-long party for the residents of the capital city of Shushan. In the palace's women's quarters, Ahasuerus' wife, Queen Vashti, hosted her own party for the Shushanite womenfolk. On the seventh day of this party, Ahasuerus' heart "was merry with wine" and he commanded his wife Vashti to appear before all the partying men; he wanted to show them all her exquisite beauty. Vashti balked at this request and at the advice of his advisor Memuchan, Ahasuerus ordered Vashti's execution.
The Beauty Contest
When Ahasuerus' wrath dissipated, he was lonely for a wife. His servants suggested that he orchestrate a beauty pageant. Officers would be appointed in all the king's lands and all beautiful girls would be brought to Ahasuerus. And the girl who would find favour in the king's eyes would be the new queen. The leader of the Jews at that time was a Shushanite resident named Mordechai. He had a cousin Hadassah (Esther), who was orphaned as a young girl. Mordechai raised her and treated her as a daughter. Though she had no desire to be the queen, Esther was forcibly taken to the king's harem, to participate in the contest. While all the other contestant beautified themselves with perfumes and lotions, Esther did nothing. But YAHVEH had His own plans. When Esther appeared before the king, he immediately liked her and Esther became the new Queen of Persia. But as per Mordechai's directive, Esther refused to divulge her nationality and her Jewish name, Hadassah; even to the king.
Mordechai to the Rescue
Shortly after Esther became queen, Mordechai overheard two of the king's chamberlains discussing a plot to assassinate the king. Mordechai had them reported and the traitors were hanged.
The Anti-Semitic Prime Minister
Meanwhile, Haman, one of Ahasuerus' ministers, was promoted to the position of Prime Minister. Haman was a virulent Jew hater; in fact he was a descendant of the notoriously anti-Semitic nation of Amalek. Immediately after his promotion, the king issued a decree ordering everyone to bow down whenever Haman appeared. Now Haman would walk around with a large idol hanging from a chain around his neck. When Mordechai, a proud Jew refused to bow down, Haman was infuriated. He resolved to take revenge against all the Jews and threw lots to determine the "lucky" day when he would implement his plan. The lot fell on the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. Haman approached Ahasuerus and offered him 10,000 silver talents in exchange for permission to exterminate the Jews. Ahasuerus, who was no friend of the Jews either, told Haman, "The money is yours to keep and the nation is yours to do with as you please." Haman immediately sent proclamations to all the king's land. These declarations, sealed with the royal signet ring, ordered the people to rise up against the Jews and kill them all; men, women and children; on the following 13th of Adar.
Mordechai's Request
Mordechai became aware of the decree. He rent his garments and donned sackcloth. He sent a message to Esther, asking her to approach the king and beg him to spare her people. Esther responded that according to the rules anyone who entered the king's presence un-summoned would be put to death; unless the king extended to that person his golden sceptre. "And I," Esther said, "have not been summoned by the king for thirty days already!" Mordechai sent another message: "Do not think that you will escape the fate of all the Jews by being in the king's palace. For if you will remain silent at this time, relief and salvation will come to the Jews from another source and you and the house of your father will be lost. And who knows if it is not for just such a time that you reached this royal position." Esther agreed to approach the king. But she asked Mordechai to gather all the Jews in Shushan and let them all fast for three days and nights. And after this fast Esther would put her life in her hands and approach the king.
Mordechai complied with Esther's request. He gathered the Jews of Shushan; especially the children, 22,000 of them; and they fasted, repented and prayed to YAHVEH.
The First Banquet
After three days of fasting, Esther donned royal garb and entered Ahasuerus' chambers. Immediately, the king extended his sceptre. "What is it?" Ahasuerus asked. "What is your request?" "I would like to invite the king and Haman to a small banquet I have prepared," Esther responded. So the king and Haman joined Esther for a wine-feast. During the feast, the king again asked Esther whether she had anything to request. "Yes," Esther responded. "I would appreciate if tomorrow again, the king and Haman would join me for a second banquet. And then I will tell the king my request.
Haman left the party a happy and proud man. Oh the honour he was being accorded! But standing at the king's gate was Mordechai; who still refused to bow to Haman; and Haman was enraged. When he arrived home, his wife and wise advisors counselled him to erect a gallows and then to go to the king and request permission to hang Mordechai. Haman excitedly went ahead and put up the gallows.
The Beginning of the End
Sleep eluded the king that night, so he asked his servants to read for him from the Royal Chronicles. They complied with the king's orders. They read from the Chronicles how Mordechai saved the king's life when two of his chamberlains hatched a plot to kill him.
"Was he rewarded for this fine act?" Ahasuerus asked. "No he was not," the servants responded. At that moment Haman entered the king's courtyard. His purpose? To ask the king's permission to hang Mordechai! Before Haman could utter a word, Ahasuerus addressed him: "My Haman, in your estimation, what shall be done to a person whom the king wishes to honour?" Haman, who was certain that the king wished to honour him, responded: "Bring royal garment and a royal horse. And let one of the king's nobles dress the man and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'So is done for the man whom the king wishes to honour!'" "Great idea," Ahasuerus responded. "Now go get the garments and the horse and do so for Mordechai the Jew!" Haman had no choice but to comply. On the next day he went and honoured Mordechai as the king had ordered and then immediately rushed to join the king and Esther for the second banquet.
The Second Banquet
"What is your request?" a curious King Ahasuerus asked Esther at the feast. "If I have found favour in your eyes, O King," Esther pleaded "and if it pleases the king, let my life be granted me by my plea and the life of my people by my request. For my people and I have been sold to be annihilated, killed and destroyed!" Esther then identified Haman as the evil person who wished to perpetrate this atrocity. The king was greatly angered. When he was then informed that Haman had built a gallows for Mordechai, he ordered that Haman be hanged on that very gallows.
The Tables Are Turned
On that day, Haman's estate was given to Esther and Mordechai was appointed Prime Minister in Haman's stead. But Esther was far from satisfied. Haman was dead, but his evil decree was still in effect. According to Persian law, once a king issues a decree it cannot be rescinded. But the king gave Mordechai and Esther permission and they promptly wrote up a decree that countermanded Haman's edict. The decree granted the Jews permission to defend themselves against their enemies. And by this time, considering that all knew that the queen and Prime Minister were both Jewish, no one would prevent the Jews from doing just that! And the Jews in Shushan were oh so happy. Celebrations abounded!
The Battle
On the 13th of Adar that year, the Jews throughout the Persian Empire mobilized and killed the enemies who had wanted to kill them. In Shushan, among the dead were Haman's ten sons. Esther asked the king's permission for the Jews in Shushan to have one more day to destroy their enemy; and the king acceded to her wish. On that day, the 14th of Adar, the Jews worldwide celebrated and the Jews of Shushan killed more of their enemies and also hung Haman's sons. The Jews of Shushan then rested and celebrated on the 15th of Adar.
In Commemoration
Mordechai and Esther established a holiday to commemorate these amazing events. Jews worldwide celebrate on the 14th of Adar, while residents of walled cities; like Shushan; celebrate on the 15th of Adar. This holiday, called "Purim," is the most joyous holiday on the Jewish calendar.
How To Observe Purim
1) Listen to the Megillah
To relive the miraculous events of Purim, listen to the reading of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther) twice: once on Purim eve, Saturday night, March 19 and again on Purim day, March 20. To properly fulfil the mitzvah, it is crucial to hear every single word of the Megillah. At certain points in the reading where Haman's name is mentioned, it is customary to twirl graggers (Rattles or Purim noisemakers) and stamp one's feet to "eradicate" his evil name. Tell the children that Purim is the only time when it's a mitzvah to make noise! Please Note: This year, the first Megillah reading takes place after Shabbat ends. One should be careful not to travel to the synagogue to hear the reading prior to the end of Shabbat or before saying the special prayer: “Blessed Is the One Who Separates Between Holy and Mundane”. If one owns his own Megillah scroll, it should be brought to the synagogue prior to Shabbat (since one may not prepare on Shabbat for after Shabbat).
2) Give to the Needy (Matanot La'evyonim)
Concern for the needy is a year-round responsibility; but on Purim it is a special mitzvah to remember the poor. Give charity to at least two, (but preferably more) needy individuals on Purim day, March 20. The mitzvah is best fulfilled by giving directly to the needy. If however, you cannot find poor people, place at least two coins into a charity box. As with the other mitzvahs of Purim, even small children should be taught to fulfil this mitzvah. See different gift baskets at the end of this teaching!
3) Send Food Portions to Friends (Mishloach Manot)
On Purim we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends. On Purim day, March 20, send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods (e.g., pastry, fruit and beverage) to at least one friend. Men should send to men and women to women. It is preferable that the gifts be delivered via a third party. Children, in addition to sending their own gifts of food to their friends, make enthusiastic messengers.
4) Eat, Drink and be Merry
Purim should be celebrated with a special festive meal on Purim Day, at which family and friends gather together to rejoice in the Purim spirit. It is a mitzvah to drink wine or other drinks (non alcoholic for those who do not drink alcoholic drinks) at this meal.
Special Prayers (Al Hanissim, Torah reading)
On Purim we include the Al HaNissim prayer, which describes the Purim miracle, in the evening, morning and afternoon prayers, as well as in the Grace after Meals. In the morning service there is a special reading from the Torah Scroll in the synagogue which is (Exodus 17:8-16).
Purim Customs: Masquerades and Hamantashen
A time-honoured Purim custom is for children to dress up and disguise themselves; an allusion to the fact that the miracle of Purim was disguised in natural garments. This is also the significance behind a traditional Purim food, the hamantash; a pastry whose filling is hidden within a three-cornered crust.
Pre- and Post-Purim Observances:
Torah Reading of "Zachor"
On the Shabbat before Purim (this year, March 19) a special reading is held in the synagogue of the Torah section called Zachor ("Remember"), in which we are enjoined to remember the deeds of (the nation of) Amalek (Haman's ancestor) who sought to destroy the Jewish people.
The Fast of Esther
To commemorate the prayer and fasting that the Jewish people held during the Purim story, we fast on the day before Purim. This year, because the day before Purim is Shabbat, we fast the Thursday beforehand; on March 17. The fast begins approximately an hour before sunrise and lasts until nightfall.
The "Half Coins" (Machatzit Hashekel)
It is a tradition to give three coins in "half" denominations; e.g., three half-dollar coins in the US; 50 pence (half a pound) in the UK or 50 cents (half a rand) in South Africa to charity, to commemorate the half-shekel that each Jew contributed as his share in the communal offerings in the time of the Holy Temple. This custom, usually performed in the synagogue, is done on the afternoon of the "Fast of Esther" or before the reading of the Megillah.
Shushan Purim
In certain ancient walled cities; Jerusalem is the primary example; Purim is observed not on the 14th of Adar (the date of its observance everywhere else) but on the 15th of Adar. This is to commemorate that fact that in the ancient walled city of Shushan, where the battles between the Jews and their enemies extended for an additional day, the original Purim celebration was held not on the 14th but on the 15th of Adar. The 15th of Adar is thus called "Shushan Purim" and is a day of joy and celebration also in those places where it is not observed as the actual Purim.
Different Gift Baskets:
Remember that I only mention 12 different baskets here; but there are more and the best fun is to create your own baskets. Just take a look of the goodies inside each basket and make your own, it is great fun!
1.) This Purim Mishloach Manos is the perfect way to present yourself!
A tasteful Purim trio of decorative designer Purim gift tower boxes stuffed with handfuls of palate-pleasing pistachios, an enticing offering of delectable Purim hamantashen, grape juice and a box of tempting truffles.
2.) A truly spiritual Purim experience!
A Purim tasters of set Pravda vodka complete with two glasses filled with mounds of Swiss fruit-shaped candies, flavoured Belgium mint thins and Purim Hamantashen in raspberry and apricot flavours combine to create an exclusive Mishloach Manot.
3.) A decorative Purim Shalach Manos gift basket!
Filled with a soft nougat and caramel bar, a designer box over stuffed with sugar coated nuts, chocolate cream flavoured wafer rolls, creamy milk truffle bars and flavoured Purim hamantashen. Shalach Manos at its best.
4.) An exquisite Purim basket.
This Morning Glory Purim Basket comes overstuffed with a fine selection of Purim treats. This Gift Basket includes chocolate truffles, succulent dried mango slices, a fine array of pastries and wafer rolls and assorted sweets and treats.
5.) Hidden within these 5 Purim decorative tower boxes (placed on top of each other)
You’ll find handfuls of pistachio nuts, mounds of caramel logs dunked in creamy chocolate & covered in assorted nuts, Purim hamantashen in raspberry & apricot fillings, gold foiled milk toffees & a bottle of Purim spirits. A mishloach manot delight!
6.) Purim gift basket in a mahogany photo box!
Lined with soft rich velvet to preserve the nostalgic memories of a lifetime. Filled with creamy mouth-watering truffles, luscious dried mango, a tube of decadent sweets, a gourmet bar of halva and fruit-filled Purim hamantashen. A shalach manot they will enjoy long after Purim!
7.) The perfect Purim impression!
This map-wrapped chest is detailed with leather-look accents, nail heads and a gold locking clasp and handles. Open this Purim Mishloach Manos to find a collection of exciting Purim edibles including crispy wafers, decadent chocolate truffles, a gift box with sweets enclosed, an assortment of fine Viennese crunch and a bottle of grape juice for their Purim enjoyment.
8.) Dramatic, distinctive, and dangerously delicious!
This metallic planter is overstuffed with delectable Purim delights! Treat family and friends to an assortment of Purim treats including honey roasted nuts, creamy egozi chocolates, butter and cream candies, crispy wafers, sugar coated nuts, Swiss fruit candies, halva and a duo of oven-fresh hamantashen. This gift basket will redefine the Mishloach Manos experience!
9.) This is a special Purim Mishloach Manot
It comes with Belgian chocolate squares, Purim Hamantashen, mounds of Viennese chocolate logs, fancy cookies, chocolate covered nuts and a selection of creamy caramel bars. A Purim Gift Tower anyone will appreciate.
10) A Purim Gift Basket in its own league!
A Purim basket ensconced in a gold and black planter & etched with a fine grape and vine motif. This shalach manot is overstuffed with a variety of milk chocolate bars, gourmet truffles, chocolate leaves, chocolate covered nuts and nutty pleasures. Your recipient will also delight in dried fruit, hamantashen, halvah, assorted sweets and a bottle of wine in honour of Purim.
11) The sophisticated, The connoisseur and the Elite Purim Basket.
This Purim gift basket, The Entrepreneur, comes brimming with a designer box with sugar-coated nuts, gourmet truffles, butter toffee candies, chocolate covered nuts, a mini cake, fruit shaped candies, a Purim hamantashen duo and a bottle of Alfasi to enhance their Purim spirits.
12) A Purim gift tower of six boxes, filled with delectable delights.
Box 1 - Handfuls of gold foil toffee candies.
Box 2 - Assorted Chocolate bon bon’s.
Box 3 - Mounds of chocolate covered nuts.
Box 4 - Fancy oven-fresh cookies.
Box 5 - Chocolate Truffles, flavoured Hamantashen & Viennese crunch.
Box 6 - Kedem Estates wine (sm.) & cappuccino filled truffles.
All the boxes are placed on top of each other and decorated with a nice coloured ribbon.
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