YPPAH MIRUP

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!