Purim: Difference between revisions
Created page with "Purim is a holiday established by Chazal in the period before the building of the Second Beis Hamikdash, and is mentioned in Tanach in Megillas Esther. In most places in the world it falls on the 14th of Adar, and in cities that were walled from the time of Yehoshua bin Nun, like Yerushalayim, the holiday falls on the 15th of Adar. The eve of the holiday, the 13th of Adar, is Taanis Esther. The holiday was established to commemorate the miracle that Hashem performed for..." |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
Purim is a holiday established by Chazal in the period before the building of the Second Beis Hamikdash, and is mentioned in Tanach in Megillas Esther. In most places in the world it falls on the 14th of Adar, and in cities that were walled from the time of Yehoshua bin Nun, like Yerushalayim, the holiday falls on the 15th of Adar. The eve of the holiday, the 13th of Adar, is Taanis Esther. | '''Purim''' is a holiday established by Chazal in the period before the building of the Second Beis Hamikdash, and is mentioned in Tanach in Megillas Esther. In most places in the world it falls on the 14th of Adar, and in cities that were walled from the time of Yehoshua bin Nun, like Yerushalayim, the holiday falls on the 15th of Adar. The eve of the holiday, the 13th of Adar, is Taanis Esther. | ||
The holiday was established to commemorate the miracle that Hashem performed for us during the Persian exile between the destruction of the First Beis Hamikdash and the building of the Second Beis Hamikdash, under the rule of Achashverosh, when He saved the Jewish people from Haman's decree to destroy all Jews - men, women and children. This salvation came about through the actions of Mordechai HaYehudi and Queen Esther. | The holiday was established to commemorate the miracle that Hashem performed for us during the Persian exile between the destruction of the First Beis Hamikdash and the building of the Second Beis Hamikdash, under the rule of Achashverosh, when He saved the Jewish people from Haman's decree to destroy all Jews - men, women and children. This salvation came about through the actions of Mordechai HaYehudi and Queen Esther. | ||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
Uniquely, the joy of Purim was established in halacha as unlimited joy - "ad d'lo yada", unlike the limited joy of other holidays. This joy stems from the virtue of the Jewish people who, even in a dark exile period like the days of Mordechai and Esther, awakened of their own will and chose to connect to Hashem with mesiras nefesh. Because of the unique level of Purim joy, this holiday will be the only one that will not be nullified in the future, in the times of Moshiach. | Uniquely, the joy of Purim was established in halacha as unlimited joy - "ad d'lo yada", unlike the limited joy of other holidays. This joy stems from the virtue of the Jewish people who, even in a dark exile period like the days of Mordechai and Esther, awakened of their own will and chose to connect to Hashem with mesiras nefesh. Because of the unique level of Purim joy, this holiday will be the only one that will not be nullified in the future, in the times of Moshiach. | ||
= Origin and Historical Background = | == Origin and Historical Background == | ||
The background of Purim takes place during the Babylonian exile after the destruction of the First Temple in the year 3338. Near the end of this exile in 3392, the Jews were under the rule of King Achashverosh of Persia. After Queen Vashti was killed, Achashverosh took Queen Esther, who was Jewish, as his wife. This event later proved to be the remedy that would save the Jews from a terrible decree years later. | The background of Purim takes place during the Babylonian exile after the destruction of the First Temple in the year 3338. Near the end of this exile in 3392, the Jews were under the rule of King Achashverosh of Persia. After Queen Vashti was killed, Achashverosh took Queen Esther, who was Jewish, as his wife. This event later proved to be the remedy that would save the Jews from a terrible decree years later. | ||
| Line 14: | Line 14: | ||
The miracle of salvation occurred through the prayers and fasts of the Jewish people, along with Esther's intervention with the king. This led to the reversal of the decree - instead of Mordechai and his people being killed, Haman and his ten sons were hanged. On the day of the planned genocide, the Jews defended themselves and defeated their enemies on the 13th of Adar, with an additional day of victory in Shushan on the 14th. | The miracle of salvation occurred through the prayers and fasts of the Jewish people, along with Esther's intervention with the king. This led to the reversal of the decree - instead of Mordechai and his people being killed, Haman and his ten sons were hanged. On the day of the planned genocide, the Jews defended themselves and defeated their enemies on the 13th of Adar, with an additional day of victory in Shushan on the 14th. | ||
= Establishing the Holiday = | == Establishing the Holiday == | ||
The establishment of Purim is described in detail in the Book of Esther. Mordechai wrote down these events and sent letters to all Jews in Achashverosh's provinces, both near and far, establishing the 14th and 15th of Adar as days of celebration each year. These days were to be observed with feasting, joy, sending portions of food to one another, and gifts to the poor. | The establishment of Purim is described in detail in the Book of Esther. Mordechai wrote down these events and sent letters to all Jews in Achashverosh's provinces, both near and far, establishing the 14th and 15th of Adar as days of celebration each year. These days were to be observed with feasting, joy, sending portions of food to one another, and gifts to the poor. | ||
Esther and Mordechai later sent additional letters to strengthen the observance of these days of Purim, and their words were recorded in a book. | Esther and Mordechai later sent additional letters to strengthen the observance of these days of Purim, and their words were recorded in a book. | ||
= Holiday Obligations and Customs = | == Holiday Obligations and Customs == | ||
== Main Obligations == | == Main Obligations == | ||
| Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
In the morning prayer, we read from the Torah about the war with Amalek. Three people are called up, with three verses read for each. One who hasn't heard Parshat Zachor can fulfill their obligation with this reading. | In the morning prayer, we read from the Torah about the war with Amalek. Three people are called up, with three verses read for each. One who hasn't heard Parshat Zachor can fulfill their obligation with this reading. | ||
= Purim Operations = | == Purim Operations == | ||
The Rebbe instructed to bring joy to as many Jews as possible during the holiday and help them fulfill its obligations. Accordingly, Chabad Chassidim strive to reach every possible location on this day to read the Megillah and fulfill the mitzvot with every Jew. The Rebbe established this campaign in 1961. | The Rebbe instructed to bring joy to as many Jews as possible during the holiday and help them fulfill its obligations. Accordingly, Chabad Chassidim strive to reach every possible location on this day to read the Megillah and fulfill the mitzvot with every Jew. The Rebbe established this campaign in 1961. | ||
= Purim Customs = | == Purim Customs == | ||
# Costumes - Children wear costumes to increase joy and symbolize that even when a Jew sins, it's only an "external costume." | # Costumes - Children wear costumes to increase joy and symbolize that even when a Jew sins, it's only an "external costume." | ||
# Striking Haman - We make noise when Haman's name is mentioned in the Megillah using noisemakers. | # Striking Haman - We make noise when Haman's name is mentioned in the Megillah using noisemakers. | ||
# Purim Money - It's customary to give children "Purim money." | # Purim Money - It's customary to give children "Purim money." | ||
= Cities with Walled Cities from Joshua's Time = | == Cities with Walled Cities from Joshua's Time == | ||
The only certain city that was walled during Joshua's time (year 2489) is Jerusalem. However, there are many cities that might have been walled then, such as Safed, Tiberias, Acre, and others. | The only certain city that was walled during Joshua's time (year 2489) is Jerusalem. However, there are many cities that might have been walled then, such as Safed, Tiberias, Acre, and others. | ||
This distinction matters for celebrating Purim, as walled cities celebrate on Shushan Purim. The Rebbe instructed Rabbi Tanchum Dunin to celebrate Purim in Haifa on both days due to doubt. | This distinction matters for celebrating Purim, as walled cities celebrate on Shushan Purim. The Rebbe instructed Rabbi Tanchum Dunin to celebrate Purim in Haifa on both days due to doubt. | ||
= Triple Purim = | == Triple Purim == | ||
When Purim falls on Shabbat, the holiday's obligations are spread across three days: Friday, Shabbat, and Sunday. In the current Jewish calendar, this can only happen in walled cities where Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar. | When Purim falls on Shabbat, the holiday's obligations are spread across three days: Friday, Shabbat, and Sunday. In the current Jewish calendar, this can only happen in walled cities where Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar. | ||
| Line 58: | Line 57: | ||
The Rebbe emphasized that gifts to the poor should also be given on Sunday. | The Rebbe emphasized that gifts to the poor should also be given on Sunday. | ||
= Small Purim = | == Small Purim == | ||
In a leap year with two months of Adar, Purim is celebrated in the second Adar. The 14th of the first Adar is called "Small Purim" and is marked by a special feast and not saying Tachanun. | In a leap year with two months of Adar, Purim is celebrated in the second Adar. The 14th of the first Adar is called "Small Purim" and is marked by a special feast and not saying Tachanun. | ||
= Purim in the Future Era = | == Purim in the Future Era == | ||
The Sages teach that while all holidays will be nullified in the Messianic era, Purim will remain eternal. Similarly, while all prophetic books will be nullified then, the Book of Esther will remain. | The Sages teach that while all holidays will be nullified in the Messianic era, Purim will remain eternal. Similarly, while all prophetic books will be nullified then, the Book of Esther will remain. | ||
In Chassidic teaching, this doesn't mean complete nullification. Rather, compared to the great divine revelation of the future, the holidays' light will be insignificant - like a candle at noon. However, Purim's revelation is unlimited and will therefore remain significant even then. | In Chassidic teaching, this doesn't mean complete nullification. Rather, compared to the great divine revelation of the future, the holidays' light will be insignificant - like a candle at noon. However, Purim's revelation is unlimited and will therefore remain significant even then. | ||
= In Chassidic Teaching = | == In Chassidic Teaching == | ||
Chassidic philosophy explains a deep connection between Purim and Yom Kippur, reflected in Yom Kippur's name "Ki-Purim" (like Purim). The Alter Rebbe wrote: "Purim and Yom Kippur are one aspect; Yom Kippur means 'like Purim'." | Chassidic philosophy explains a deep connection between Purim and Yom Kippur, reflected in Yom Kippur's name "Ki-Purim" (like Purim). The Alter Rebbe wrote: "Purim and Yom Kippur are one aspect; Yom Kippur means 'like Purim'." | ||
| Line 77: | Line 76: | ||
The Baal Shem Tov explained that reading the Megillah "backwards" (seeing it as merely historical) doesn't fulfill the obligation because the Megillah's purpose is to guide us today. It's the only holiday that occurred in exile, teaching us how to act in exile - that even when God's connection to Israel seems hidden, the inner connection continues. | The Baal Shem Tov explained that reading the Megillah "backwards" (seeing it as merely historical) doesn't fulfill the obligation because the Megillah's purpose is to guide us today. It's the only holiday that occurred in exile, teaching us how to act in exile - that even when God's connection to Israel seems hidden, the inner connection continues. | ||
= With Our Rebbes = | == With Our Rebbes == | ||
Purim was one of the regular occasions when the Rashab (Rabbi Shalom DovBer) would hold farbrengens with Chassidim each year, a tradition that continued in later generations. | Purim was one of the regular occasions when the Rashab (Rabbi Shalom DovBer) would hold farbrengens with Chassidim each year, a tradition that continued in later generations. | ||
| Line 86: | Line 85: | ||
# Purim 1927 - Despite threats from secret police, the Rayatz held a 15-hour farbrengen speaking against Soviet education restrictions. | # Purim 1927 - Despite threats from secret police, the Rayatz held a 15-hour farbrengen speaking against Soviet education restrictions. | ||
= With the Rebbe = | == With the Rebbe == | ||
Notable Purim celebrations with the Rebbe include: | Notable Purim celebrations with the Rebbe include: | ||
| Line 96: | Line 95: | ||
# Purim 1976 - The Rebbe first encouraged the practice of wearing Rabbeinu Tam's tefillin. | # Purim 1976 - The Rebbe first encouraged the practice of wearing Rabbeinu Tam's tefillin. | ||
= Community Purims Throughout Jewish History = | == Community Purims Throughout Jewish History == | ||
Various communities established their own Purim celebrations commemorating local salvations: | Various communities established their own Purim celebrations commemorating local salvations: | ||