In Ancient Persia, the Jews were subjects of the mighty Persian Empire that extended over 127 lands — the entire known world at that time.
When King Achashverosh felt secure in his new position, he celebrated by throwing a grand, 180-day-long party for all his subjects. Queen Vashti also hosted her own party for the Shushanite womenfolk.
On the seventh day of this party, when Achashverosh’s heart “was merry with wine,” he commanded his wife to appear before all the partying men; he wanted to show them her exquisite beauty. Vashti refused to be humiliated, so she was executed at the advice of the King’s advisor, Memuchan-Haman.
Achashverosh began a search for a new queen.
Meanwhile, Mordechai, the leader of the Jewish People, took care of his orphaned niece Esther. Esther was forcibly taken to the king’s harem to participate in the contest. When she 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, even to the king.
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.
Haman, one of the King’s ministers (and a Jew-hater), decreed that everyone had to bow down whenever he appeared. Haman would walk around with a large idol hanging from a chain around his neck. Mordechai, a proud Jew, refused to bow down, which infuriated Haman. Although he was angry at one Jew, he resolved to take revenge against all the Jews.
Haman approached Achashverosh 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.”
Mordechai became aware of this terrible decree and sent a message to Esther to approach the king and beg him to spare her people. Esther was reluctant at first but agreed when Mordechai told her that this was the reason she became queen.
Esther invited the King and Haman to a private party, which increased the curiosity and jealousy of the King. That night, the King asked that his servants read from the Chronicles. Miraculously, they read how Mordechai saved the King’s life when two of his chamberlains hatched a plot to kill him.
The King’s mercy was aroused, and he ordered Haman to dress Mordechai with the royal garments and lead him on the royal horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, “So is done for the man whom the king wishes to honor!”
The following day, Esther requested that the king and Haman attend another party, where she pleaded that the Jews to be spared.
The king was greatly angered when he found out these were Esther’s people, and he ordered that wicked Haman and his ten sons be hanged on the gallows.
On that day, Haman’s estate was given to Esther, and Mordechai was appointed prime minister in Haman’s stead. The Jews in Shushan rejoiced.
Mordechai and Esther established a holiday to commemorate these events. Jews worldwide celebrate on the 14th of Adar. This holiday, called “Purim,” is the most joyous holiday on the Jewish calendar.
What we do on Purim
Listen to the Megillah
To relive the miraculous events of Purim, we listen to the reading of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther) on Monday night, March 9, 2020, and again on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 during the day. When Haman’s name is mentioned, we twirl graggers and stamp our feet to drown out his evil name. Tell the children Purim is the only time when it’s a mitzvah to make noise!
Send gifts of food
On Purim, we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends. Send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods to at least one friend on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
Give gifts to the needy
Concern for the needy is a year-round responsibility for the Jew. On Purim particularly, it is a special mitzvah to remember the poor. Give charity to at least two, but preferably more, needy individuals.
Eat the festive meal
As on all festivals, we celebrate Purim with a special festive meal on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, when family and friends gather together to rejoice in the Purim spirit.
Make a Purim treat
Hamantaschen, a traditional Purim delight, is a three-cornered pastry.
· 1 cup sugar
· 1/3 cup oil
· 1/2 cup margarine
· 3 eggs
· 4 cups flour
· 1/2 cup orange juice
· 3 tsps. baking powder
· 1 tsp. salt
· 1 egg, beaten
· 2 lbs. mohn filling or jam
Cream sugar, oil and margarine. Add eggs and juice and mix well. Blend with dry ingredients and roll into a ball. Divide into four parts. Roll out each piece very thin on a floured board. With the rim of a cup or glass, cut into the dough to make circles. Place ½ teaspoon of filling in the middle of
each circle. To shape into triangle, lift up right and left sides, leaving the bottom side down, and bring both sides to meet at center, above the filling. Lift bottom side up to center to meet other
two sides. Brush dough with beaten egg before baking. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.
Yields four dozen Hamentaschen.
Message of Purim
Each year when we celebrate Purim, the miracles are remembered and reenacted in our lives. May this most joyous of Jewish festivals bring joy to you and all your loved ones.
Happy Purim!
Rabbi David Laine
Director, Chabad Vocational Schools
T: 718-773-5670
F: 718-493-8692
cvsisrael@aol.com
