The Scroll of Esther
Purim, the most joyous holiday on the Jewish calendar, is
today at sunset! It commemorates the victory of the Jews over Persia's strongman Haman, whose plan was to exterminate the entire Nation of Israel.
And how ironic it is that Israel finds itself surrounded by modern day "Hamans", openly calling for the destruction of the Jewish state.
And how ironic it is that Israel finds itself surrounded by modern day "Hamans", openly calling for the destruction of the Jewish state.
The current Hebrew
month of Adar (אֲדָר) is known to be the happiest month
of the Hebrew calendar. As Adar enters, we increase in happiness! Adar
marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
The Jewish people
in the ancient Persian Empire were almost annihilated at the hands of the minister Haman. Haman persuaded the emperor, King Ahasuerus(אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ), to command the killing of all the Jews of his kingdom. The “submissive”
queen Esther was able to change the king’s mind so the Jews were eventually
rescued and were given more rights from the king. Haman, on the other
hand, found himself hung from a tree with all his sons.
The day of
extermination turned to be the day of deliverance and the salvation, a day of
joy and festivity.
The Jews had light, and
gladness, and joy, and honour. (Esther 8:16)
Since then, we
celebrate Purim with much happiness and festivity, fulfilling the biblical
commands of Reading the Megila (the book of Esther), sending
gifts to friends, giving charity to the poor, and eating a festive meal.
Throughout the years many other customs were added, such as masquerading,
making noise with a rattle called Ra’ashan (רַעֲשַׁן) each time Haman is mentioned while reading the Megila,
and eating Hamantash (אָזְנֵיהָמָן, ozney haman) – a three-cornered pastry shaped like
the ears (or the hat) of the wicked Haman.
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