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The Mitzvot of Purim
The Mitzvot of Purim
“And Mordechai wrote these words and sent messages to the Jews in all the provinces of King Ahaseueras both near and far to enjoin them to observe the fourteenth of the month of Adar and the fifteenth of that month each and every year. Like the days when the Jews rested from their enemies and the month was transformed from misery to joy, from mourning to celebration, to make them into days of merrymaking and feasting, of sending portions of food to friends and neighbors, and gifts to the poor.”– Esther 9:20-22
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From this, the Rabbis teach that there are four Mitzvot that we are meant to fulfill on Purim:
The Four Mitzvot of Purim:
1. Mishloach Manot - Sending small gift baskets of Hamantashen and other treats to friends & family to help increase their joy during Purim. In our hectic lives, this Mitzvah gives us the opportunity to reinforce friendships and family ties. Mishloach Manot can be comprised of just about anything and are fun to personalize and send!
2. Matanot L’Evyonim - Sending gifts of food to the poor (or giving tzedakah that will fund meals and help others eat). In Judaism, whenever we rejoice in our own good fate, we always take the time to think of those less fortunate. This commandment temporarily improves the conditions of the poor in our community and allows us to celebrate with a fuller heart.
3. Listening to the Megillah - Hearing the Scroll of Esther chanted, recounting the story of Purim while drowning out the name of the villain, Haman. The most preferred way of fulfilling the Mitzvah is to hear the Megillah read publicly in a synagogue or other communal setting. As with the Torah and Haftarah readings, the Megillah is chanted to a special “trope” or musical setting that is unique to the holiday. When we hear Haman’s name, it is customary to drown it out with a “grogger” or other noisemaker.
4. Se’udat Purim - Participating in a Purim feast or celebration. This is Judaism’s version of “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!” The Purim feast is especially significant in that it elevates the soul as it provides pleasure to the body. Attending a Purim carnival which includes food, drinks, and festive games is one fun way to fulfill this Mitzvah.
“And Mordechai wrote these words and sent messages to the Jews in all the provinces of King Ahaseueras both near and far to enjoin them to observe the fourteenth of the month of Adar and the fifteenth of that month each and every year. Like the days when the Jews rested from their enemies and the month was transformed from misery to joy, from mourning to celebration, to make them into days of merrymaking and feasting, of sending portions of food to friends and neighbors, and gifts to the poor.”– Esther 9:20-22
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From this, the Rabbis teach that there are four Mitzvot that we are meant to fulfill on Purim:
The Four Mitzvot of Purim:
1. Mishloach Manot - Sending small gift baskets of Hamantashen and other treats to friends & family to help increase their joy during Purim. In our hectic lives, this Mitzvah gives us the opportunity to reinforce friendships and family ties. Mishloach Manot can be comprised of just about anything and are fun to personalize and send!
2. Matanot L’Evyonim - Sending gifts of food to the poor (or giving tzedakah that will fund meals and help others eat). In Judaism, whenever we rejoice in our own good fate, we always take the time to think of those less fortunate. This commandment temporarily improves the conditions of the poor in our community and allows us to celebrate with a fuller heart.
3. Listening to the Megillah - Hearing the Scroll of Esther chanted, recounting the story of Purim while drowning out the name of the villain, Haman. The most preferred way of fulfilling the Mitzvah is to hear the Megillah read publicly in a synagogue or other communal setting. As with the Torah and Haftarah readings, the Megillah is chanted to a special “trope” or musical setting that is unique to the holiday. When we hear Haman’s name, it is customary to drown it out with a “grogger” or other noisemaker.
4. Se’udat Purim - Participating in a Purim feast or celebration. This is Judaism’s version of “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!” The Purim feast is especially significant in that it elevates the soul as it provides pleasure to the body. Attending a Purim carnival which includes food, drinks, and festive games is one fun way to fulfill this Mitzvah.
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