We
have been bombarding our Kitah Dalet students with all of the wonderful themes associated
with the observance of Purim. We have beenlearning
about Haman and Esther, Mordechai and the King, and telling the story of Purim
over and over and over again. Some of
the things we have been talking about…
Standing up for yourself and what you believe
in, (Esther)
Speaking out if you believe someone is not
treating others fairly (Mordechai)
Justice and taking care of those who have less
than we do (Gifts for the Poor)
Showing family and friends we care about them
(Shalach Manot)
Being proud of who we are (Esther and
Mordechai)
Consequences for your behavior. (Vashti and Haman)
We
have also been talking about the four commandments of Purim, and helping your
children understand that as they get older, they need to take responsibility
for observing the four Purim commandments. The commandments are all community bound activities, and were fulfilled at our Purim Extravaganza. It was great seeing so many of your there.
- Hear the Megillah read aloud
-
Give Mishlach Manot, gifts of food to family
and friends,
-
Give Matanot LeEvyonim, gifts of food and money
to the poor
- Celebrate at a Purim Seudah, a festive meal
All of the students were encouraged to fulfill these commandments, and we helped them along on Sunday morning as we created Mishlach
Manot and Matanot LeEvyonim. The
commandment to give Mishlach Manot, reflects the importance of creating
community through sharing and giving.
The simple mitzvah of Shalach Manot reminds us that being a Jew means
belonging to a community and sharing celebrations with others. To fulfill the mitzvah of Mishlach Manot,
two or more different kinds of food are sent to people important to your
family. Gifts include hamantashen,
fruit, candy, and ready to eat snacks.
Another
custom of Purim is to give charity to at least two people. In the Jewish tradition, every act of
celebration, every moment of significance, and every formal gathering includes
an opportunity for giving tzedakah.
Tzedakah, comes from the Hebrew word meaning justice, and is the
obligation to help those who are in need by sharing part of the wealth we are
fortunate to have. This custom teaches
that community includes those who are less fortunate than us. Just as it is important to have a giving,
sharing relationship with those who are similar to us, it is equally as
important to create a sharing, giving relationship with those who are less
fortunate.
To
fulfill the commandment of Matanot LeEvyonim, gifts of food and money to the
poor and less fortunate, and Mishlach Manot, gifts to family and friends
students helped pack up dozens of packages to share. We hope you enjoyed the packages your
students created this week, and had a festive Purim!
