The Five "M"s of Purim

By Rabbi Dr. Eli Yoggev

On Purim, we (typically) sit in shul, graggers in hand, and celebrate our salvation in Shushan and the downfall of our enemy, Haman. However, we often forget to ask: how did we get into this predicament in the first place? Our sages teach us that Hashem deals with Am Yisrael “measure for measure.” Which culpable behavior brought about this horrifying threat in the first place?

One answer is that in that time the Jews were not unified as a nation. Haman even attested to this when he said, “There is one nation that is scattered and separate” (Esther 3:8). Our uniting in prayer and sackcloth in response to Haman’s decree in the end helped avert this judgement.

This is a central reason why we perform four special mitzvahs and get dressed up in costume on Purim, what I like to call the Five “M”s of Purim (each beginning with the letter M): to rectify this sin by bringing Jews together today.

We read the Megillah to remind us of these unifying lessons. We join together for a feast, exchange food items, and give presents to those in need in order to strengthen our communal bond. And we put on masks to help us push beyond external appearances that at times pose an obstacle to connection.

With this in mind, let’s review some laws connected to each one of the five “M”s:

Megillah:

We recite three blessings over the Megillah and read it in the night and day.

Meal (“seudah” in Hebrew):

We enjoy a feast on Purim day. Wine is consumed (at least more than usual, many drink more) and words of Torah are shared. It is preferable to include meat and bread in this meal.

Mishloach Manot (“gift sending”):

On Purim day, we exchange at least two different ready-to-eat foods or drinks (learned from the word manot, which is plural) to one person.

Matanot Le’evyonim (“gifts for the poor”):

On Purim day, we deliver at least two monetary gifts (learned from the plural matanot, gifts) to two different people (learned from the plural evyonim, poor)—one per person in need. The more gifts we send, the better!

Masks:

A reminder to not limit this custom to medical masks alone! Be creative with this as it reminds us how everything flipped around for the Jews during Purim (Esther 6:11). May things “flip around” for us this year and may this spirit of unity accompany as we join together for good things, healthy and in-person, over the months to come. Purim sameach!