PURIM: BEFORE AND AFTER - A TIME OF INTENSE JOY

SHABBAT SHEKALIM / Shabbat, February 24 (Rosh Chodesh Adar)

    Shabbat Sh'kalim is the first of four special Shabbatot that are observed before and after Purim. On each of these occasions, a second Torah is read from and a special Haftorah is recited.

    Shabbat Sh'kalim is the Shabbat before or on Rosh Chodesh Adar, the month of Purim.

    In Bais HaMikdash times, every Jew was commanded to give a half Shekel to the communal treasury for the Temple sacrificial needs. (Sh'mot 20: 11-16, beginning of Parshat Ki Tissa). It is this Mitzvah that we read about in the Maftir Torah on Shabbat Sh'kalim.

    In these times, the reading of this portion and the giving or redeeming of silver half dollars is a reminder of Temple days when the mitzvah was practiced. The most common time to give the "half shekel" is before the reading of the megillah, but any time during the week of Shabbat Sh'kalim and onward is also proper. The proceeds are dedicated to charitable purposes and especially the Yom Tov needs of the poor.    

       Tefillah Reminders

(1) Omit "Av HaRachamim","Kayl Malay Rachamim" and "Tzidhascha" (Mincha).

(2) In congregations where minors are called to the Torah for Maftir, this practice is discontinued on these four special Shabbatot.

(3) Ya’aleh veYavo is recited at all Tefillos and in Birkat HaMazon and Ata Yatzarta is recited at Mussaf

(4)        Half Hallel is recited. 

 

THE ENTIRE MONTH OF ADAR /

Shabbos, February 24 - Shabbos, March 24

    "MiShenichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha." With Adar upon us, the entire month is joyous

 

SHABBAT ZACHOR / Shabbat March 3 (8 Adar)

    The Shabbat before Purim, known as Shabbat Zachor (Shabbat of Remembrance) is the second of four special Shabbatot. The reading from the second Torah (D'varim 25:17-19, end of Ki Tzaytsay) is a communal declaration of our determination to stand up and fight all the forces of evil that may rally against the Jewish people.

Amalek of old represents evil incarnate and unbridled hate. The first Amalek was the grandson of Esav who, upon the prodding of his grandfather, did all possible to taunt Ya'akov Avinu. and keep the hate alive that existed in the heart of his grandfather. This hatred was passmd down undiluted to further generations so that when the Jews marched out of Egypt they were brutally attacked by the nation of Amalek. Haman is a descendant of Amalek, according to rabbinic tradition.

    It is everyone's obligation (men and women alike) to be present in the synagogue during the reading of Zachor. If one misses the reading, there are two alternatives suggested in Halachic literature: (a) Be certain that the same reading of the same portion is carefully heard on Parshat Ki Tzetze, a few weeks before Rosh Hashana. (b) Be present for the Torah reading on Purim morning which also speaks of G-d's eternal war with Amalek. This in no way should be taken to mean that one may be lenient about Shabbat Zachor. Only the most pressing circumstances should prevent a person from attending services on Shabbat Zachor.

(Plan ahead with babysitters.)

Tefillah Reminders

(1) Omit "Av HaRachamim","Kayl Malay Rachamim". Customs vary concerning the saying of "Tzidhascha" (Mincha).

(2) The one called to the Torah for the aliyah of Zachor as well as the Ba'al Korey should have in mind that they are performing the mitzvah on behalf of the entire congregation. Likewise, the congregation should answer "Amen" with great intent (Kavanah), and consider that each individual fulfills the Mitzvah through the one who was called to the Torah and with the Ba'al Koray's reading.

  

THE FAST OF ESTHER - Thursday, March 8 (13 Adar)

     The fast on the day before Purim reminds us of the ancient Jewish Practice of fasting and praying before going to war. Some trace this pre-war observance all the way back to the times of Moshe Rabaynu. Accordingly, the same tradition must have been followed in the times of Mordechai.

     Others explain that this fast is a reminder of the 3 days which Esther declared as a fast before coming to King Achashvayrosh (Megillat Esther Chapter 4). Rather than observe the fast on Pesach when it was originally declared, a memorial to that great fast was associated with the day before Purim.

     The fast begins at day break ("Alot HaShachar") and concludes at night fall ("Tzays HaKochavim"). Unless health reasons prevent a person from fasting, liberties should not be taken with this fast. Consult the Rabbi if you have particular problems.

Tefillah Reminders - Shacharit

    Shacharit is as usual without any changes or additions until after Shmoneh Esray. Only the Chazzan recites "Anaynu" for the fast day. "Selichot" and "Avinu-Malkaynu" are said before "Tachanun". The Torah is read ("Va'yechal in Parshat Ki-Tisa, Sh'mos 32:11-14; 34:1-10).

Tefillah Reminders - Mincha

    "Va'yechal" is once again read from the Torah and the Haftorah for fast days is said. Fast day changes and insertions in the Sh'moneh Esray for those fasting are: say "Anaynu" and "Sim Shalom". "Avinu-Malkaynu" and "Tachanun" are not said because today is Erev Purim.

    Following Mincha, "Machatzit ha-Shekel" is contributed by all. (See above section on "Shabbat Sh'kalim" for explanation.

 

PURIM EVENING Thursday Eve., March 8 (14 Adar)

    Listening to the reading of the Megillah is required of everyone - man, woman, and child - on Purim evening. Because of the Halachic requirements to publicize this miracle, one should choose to hear the Megillah where substantial number of people gather (B'Rov Am Hadras Melech) rather than read it privately. (There are exceptions; check with the Rabbi if you have a problem.)

    Extreme care must be exercised to hear every word of the Megillah. Accordingly, those bringing small children who cannot quietly sit through an hour long Megillah reading, or those join the frolic of the children as they shout down Haman, do irreparable damage to this central Purim observance. The wise congregant should frown on such improper and thoughtless behavior. Anyone capable of understanding the Shulchan Aruch in the original, should consult the Mishnah Brurah on this matter (689:17-19) long before Purim, gleaning from their personal strength to act according to what Halacha requires and not being enticed to follow the misguided whims of the masses.

    In view of the reality of the noise and ever-present distractions, everyone should have a text from which he/she can read any words that may not have been heard clearly.

    Children who cannot sit through the Megillah can still participate in everything else Purim has to offer them, especially Shalach Manot and the Purim Seudah.

 

Tefillah Reminders

    "Al Ha-Nisim" is added to Shmoneh Esray starting with Ma'ariv. Should one inadvertently skip it one does not have to repeat Shmoneh Esray.

 

PURIM DAY/ Friday, March 9 (14 Adar)

    Four Mitzvot dominate our time and attention on Purim day:

    (1) The second reading of the Megillah

    (2) Gifts of Food (Mishloach Manot)

    (3) Tzedakah on this day (Matanos LaEvyonim)

    (4) Purim Feast (Seudas Purim)

    These daytime Mitzvos cannot be observed at night for important symbolic reasons.

    MISHLOACH MANOT, gifts of prepared foods, are sent to at least one friend. The gift should have at least two types of edibles included.

    This is not a "family" Mitzvah. Every individual in the family is obligated to perform the Mitzvah of sending a gift to a friend.

    A mourner (during Shivah, Shloshim or the entire twelve months) does send these gifts on Purim but does not receive them.

    MATANOS LA'EVYONIM, Charity to the truly needy, should be given to at least two such people on Purim day. Consult the Rabbi if you don't know how to go about this Mitzvah. A person can be delegated before Purim to deliver your Tzedakah on Purim day when no poverty stricken people are accessible in your area.

    The half dollars given at Megillah reading time (Machatzis HaShekel) are designated for the poor.

    It is proper to expend more for this mitzvah than the other mitzvot performed on Purim day.

    SEUDAT PURIM - The Purim feast can be held any time on Purim day until Chatzos so we may have an appetite on Shabbos for dinner. Indulging in alcoholic beverages beyond one's usual limit is permitted so long as one's health is not in danger or others' well-being is not jeopardized. (Those who mistakenly think that Simchas Torah is a time to be tipsy, should be reminded that Purim. not Simchas Torah, is the only time allowed for us to drink excessively).

 

Tefillah Reminders

    (1) The intent of the evening reading of the Megillah is to publicize the miracle in olden times. The morning reading is a substitute for Hallel, singing to G-d for having intervened to save us.

    (2) "Al Ha-Nisim" is said in every Shmoneh Esray and in Birkat HaMazon. Should one inadvertently skip it one does not have to repeat Shmoneh Esray or Birkat HaMazon.

    (3) "Al Ha-Nisim" is said at the Purim Seudah.

 

SHUSHAN PURIM/ Shabbat, March 10 (15 Adar)

    The Megillah relates that in Shushan only, the capital city of the Persian Empire, the Purim festivities were originally delayed for a day since there was more fighting that had to be done than in any other area of the empire. Accordingly, the day after Purim is also celebrated with the lingering festivities of Purim the day before. In order to have Shushan Purim remembered, already in Talmudic times the practice was established that any city which had a fortress-like wall around it from biblical times would celebrate Purim as Shushan did. Jerusalem is one such city.

    Anyone touring Israel for Purim and expects to be in Jerusalem or the old city of Tiberias should consult competent rabbinic authority as to how to celebrate Purim in these places where Purim is celebrated one day later than elsewhere.

 

AND THEN, THERE'S PESACH

    On the day after Purim, we begin actively preparing for Pesach. Reviewing the laws of Pesach begins now. Planning for all your needs during Pesach is now in order. Tzedakah (Maos Chittim) is set aside for the less fortunate to be able to celebrate Pesach. Chometz in stock at home is now consumed as much as possible.

    The last two of the four special Shabbatot are observed toward the end of Adar. In both cases, we read in the Torah about preparing for Pesach. The occasions are known as "Shabbat Parah" and "Shabbat HaChodesh".

 

SHABBAT PARAH / Shabbat March 17 (22 Adar)

    Spiritual purification was necessary in Temple times for one to be able to participate in the "Korbon Pesach", the Pesach sacrifice, which was the central observance of the holiday. The annual celebration of the exodus from Egypt is also the time that the Jewish people rededicate themselves to national and spiritual distinctiveness ("Kedushah" and "Tohoroh"). Reading about the "Parah Adumah" , the rite used in purification, is a symbolic reminder even today of the inner meaning of Pesach's celebration.

    On this, the third of the special Shabbatot, we read from BaMidbar 19:1-22, Parshat Chukas.

 

Tefillah Reminders

(1) Omit "Av HaRachamim","Kayl Malay Rachamim". Customs vary concerning the saying of "Tzidhascha" (Mincha).

 

SHABBAT HACHODESH / Shabbat, March 24 (29 Adar / Erev Rosh Chodesh)

The last of the four special Shabbatot is dedicated to ushering in the month of Pesach. While years in the Jewish calendar are counted from Rosh HaShana, the first month of the year is Nissan, the month of Pesach. The special Torah reading (Sh'mot 12:1-20) speaks of the preparations for the first Pesach, which the Jews made while still in Egypt.