Purim Guide 2024

The joyous holiday of Purim (March 23-24) marks the Divinely orchestrated victory of the Jewish people over Haman’s genocidal plot. The name “Purim,” derived from the ancient Persian word for “lots,” reflects Haman’s use of casting lots to determine the date of his sinister plan, as documented in the Book of Esther. Here’s how we celebrate today:

THURSDAY, 11 ADAR II MARCH 21

PERFECT PURIM PREP

Ta’anit Esther (observed early this year) is a fast day that commemorates the fast observed by Esther. Unlike Yom Kippur, this fast is a custom, therefore, if you have any health issues, contact your Rabbi for guidance.

HALF SHEKEL ANYONE?

PURIM HOW-TO

SHABBAT, 13 ADAR II MARCH 23

REMINDER TO FORGET!

Do Not Forget: The Shabbat before Purim is called Zachor, because Zachor means to remember, and the Torah commands us to “Remember to blot out the name of Amalek.” Haman (a great grandson of Amalek) is blotted out with graggers while reading the Megilah on Purim.

PURIM NIGHT, SATURDAY, 13 ADAR II MARCH 23

THE MEGILAH SHE WROTE

It is customary to give three half dollars to charity. This custom is in memory of the half shekel given by Jews in Temple times. This biblical tax supported the supply of Divine offerings used in the Temple service. Spiritually, the half shekel reminds us that G-d Himself is our other “half,” and He completes us by making us His partners in perfecting creation. The sages advise us to give three half shekels since the Hebrew word terumah donation, and the words “half a shekel,” are mentioned three times in the Torah.

Head to your local Chabad for a reading of the whole Megilah. The Megilah, a.k.a. “The Book of Esther,” is the scroll that tells the Purim story. In her letter to the Jews, Queen Esther asked that we listen to the reading of the Megilah twice: once on Purim night, and again on Purim day.

BOOOOO!

Custom: When Haman’s name is mentioned (Chabad custom is that this is only when it is accompanied with a title), you can twirl graggers (noisemakers) or stamp your feet to eradicate his evil name.

Artwork by Yehuda Lang. View the full Yehuda Lang gallery online at www.yehudalang.com

PURIM DAY

SUNDAY, 14 ADAR II / MARCH 24

YOUR PERSONAL PURIM CHECKLIST:

1 2 3 4

MEGILAH

The Megilah, a.k.a. “The Book of Esther,” is the scroll that tells the Purim story. In her letter to the Jews, Queen Esther asked that we listen to the reading of the Megilah twice: once on Purim night, and again on Purim day.

CHARITY

Give money (or food) to at least two needy people during the daylight hours of Purim. This mitzvah obviously brings joy to the poor and, surprisingly, you will notice that the giver also experiences intense joy by giving. So, give joy to get joy.

GIFTS OF FOOD

Send a package containing at least two different ready-to-eat food items and/or beverages (e.g., pastry, fruit, beverage) to at least one Jewish acquaintance during the daylight hours of Purim. Men send to men, and women to women.

FESTIVE MEAL

Enjoy a festive Purim meal with challah or bread, celebrate with good food and fine wine.

DRESS UP!

On Purim, children—and some adventurous adults too— traditionally dress in costumes, an allusion to G-d’s vailed hand in the Purim miracle, which was hidden behind natural events.

SPECIAL PRAYERS

On Purim, we include the brief V’al Hanissim section in all the day’s prayers, as well as in the day’s Grace after Meals. This prayer describes the Purim story and thanks G-d for the “miracles, redemptions, mighty deeds, saving acts and wonders” that He wrought for our ancestors on this day many years ago.

SHUSHAN PURIM

MONDAY, 15 ADAR II / MARCH 25

SPECIAL PRAYERS

If you live in a ancient walled cities—Jerusalem is the primary example—Purim is again observed on the 15th of Adar. This is to commemorate the fact that in the ancient walled city of Shushan, the battles between the Jews and their enemies extended for an additional day.

PURIM SPELLS VICTORY

“Blake Giddens spelled a five-letter Jewish holiday and an eggplant stew today to win the National Spelling Bee and take home a trophy and $1,000 that twice eluded his older sister. Blake, 14 years old, of Alamogordo, N.M., taking a guess, correctly spelled ‘’Purim’’ for the title after putting an ‘’e’’ on the end of ‘’ratatouille’’ to become the 59th National Bee champion.”

(New York Times, June 10th 1983)

Cinnamon Bun Hamentaschen

Celebrate Purim with a delicious twist!

Get ready to spice up the festivities with these Cinnamon Bun Hamentaschen –a perfect blend of tradition and flavor.

See this recipe and thousands more on Kosher.com

IN THOSE DAYS AT THIS TIME

HOW TO DESTROY HAMAN

By Shira Gold Based on the teachings of the Rebbe

One of the Talmudic regulations regarding the reading of the Megillah is, “One who reads the Megillah backward has not fulfilled his obligation.” This means that the story must be read sequentially, avoiding, for instance, starting with the last chapter and ending with the first.

Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), the founder of Chasidism, sees a deeper, more pressing interpretation of this law, explaining that reading the story “backward” means to view Purim as a historical account from years ago. That's not how to read the Megillah. Instead, the Baal Shem Tov insisted that the story of Esther should be read as an ongoing account of how the hand of G-d is concealed within our daily “circumstantial” occurrences. The story is

not only about what happened but also about what is happening.

In this view, the Purim story is not confined to ancient times but mirrors the narrative of our daily lives, transcending eras and circumstances. It's a tale of how our enemies awaken our intrinsic commitment to G-d, and it's Israel's ongoing story of finding strength to persevere against Hamans of all kinds.

What was true then is still true today. Haman attacked us not because of what we did but because of who we were. Hamans of the world seek to annihilate Jews regardless of their level of commitment or individual beliefs or practices. The story of Purim tells us how, although we were dispersed across various lands with different customs and languages, Haman saw us as “one people” and sought to destroy men and women,

elderly and babies. This detail of the story is essential for us today as it sheds light on a critical factor in the victory.

Haman's attack displayed his evil intent, but it also highlighted the unifying factor and oneness of all Jews. Although we tend to notice our differences, Haman reminds us and highlights who we are: one people with one heart.

The very phrase used by Haman to imply our disunity, “There's one nation scattered throughout your kingdom,” underscores our extraordinary connection to each other today. Even when geographically separated and immersed in diverse cultures, Jews maintain a collective identity as “one nation.” The Torah is our unifying force, fostering an internal cohesion that transcends external differences.

We've faced adversaries like Haman

throughout history, but we've endured thanks to our “Oneness.” Situations change, but one thing stays the same with every victory: our unity.

In practice, the Purim observances of sending food gifts to friends and giving gifts to the poor reflect this unity as it turns love into action. Although we are always commanded to love our neighbor and feed the hungry, Purim requires us to seek out others and those in need actively. It's the one holiday that cannot be celebrated alone because we need each other to destroy Haman.

Jewish unity is a powerful antidote to modern Hamans. Our unity has spiritual ripple effects. When we create an atmosphere of love and peace within our home and community, that harmony impacts the world around us. We can each shine a light, but our superpower is a collective light that amplifies and blazes through the toughest darkness and can heal a broken world.

In a way, Haman was responsible for his own

ALTHOUGH WE TEND TO NOTICE OUR DIFFERENCES, HAMAN REMINDS US WHO WE ARE: ONE PEOPLE WITH ONE HEART.

downfall. His evil schemes backfired, and instead of inflicting destruction, he unwittingly activated Jewish unity, mitzvah observance, and our Divine protection.

This year, let's take a page from the Purim playbook and seek out and connect with other Jews. A true sense of Jewish unity implies a love for every Jew, even those we do not know personally. Generally, we give gifts of food to our friends and close associates. In contrast, by reaching out and helping a poor person we may never have seen before, we show that our personal feelings do not limit our relationships with others. We don't go backward on Purim; we step forward lovingly toward each other. This is how we win.

>> Shira Gold is a staff writer at Chabad Magazine. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband.

A snapshot in time: On March 22, 1978, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin (seated center) reads the story of Esther at a Purim reception hosted by the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Simcha Dinitz, at his residence in Washington, DC.

(Photo courtesy of the National Photo Collection of Israel)

MY DOWNFALL & REDEMPTION

THE UNLIKELY STORY OF HOW FRANK MEEINK WENT FROM SKINHEAD SADNESS TO JEWISH JOY

Written by Kylie Lobell

Growing up was tough for me. My mom battled drug addiction, and my stepfather would beat me. We lived on food stamps and welfare, and I felt ashamed and embarrassed about my life. Things worsened when I got kicked out of my mom's house, and I moved in with my father in a rough neighborhood in South Philadelphia where people were racist towards everyone who wasn't like them.

Because I was Irish, my friends and I made fun of everyone different – especially the Jews. One uncle even used derogatory terms like "Jewing them down." The word "Jew" meant the dishonest ethnic group I was supposed to hate, or so I thought.

My low self-esteem and zero self-worth drove me to join a club of tough teens who had perceived power. We had an apartment, meetings, clothing style, and logo that made other kids fear us. I finally felt like I belonged and enjoyed the sense of power over others. We were neo-Nazis,

and I got a big swastika tattoo on my neck. I thought that, because of my skin color, G-d loved me more than others.

I spent time in prison, and when I was released, I was broke and alone again. I had no family support, and finding a job was challenging due to my criminal record and the big tattoo. A friend mentioned a job opening carrying antique furniture but warned me the employer, Keith Brookstein, was a Jew.

I had no other options, so I applied for the job. Although I was no longer in the Neo-Nazis, I was still hateful, distrustful, and on high alert for any "Jewish" dishonesty. Surprisingly, despite my prejudiced beliefs, Keith saw past my exterior, and he hired me. At the end of the weekend, he handed me an extra tip, saying, "You're a really good worker." At the time, this Jewish antique furniture dealer had no idea how much of an impact he had on my life. My ice-cold heart began to melt.

Hate and power had drawn me deep into the darkness, but Keith's kindness and care showed me the light. My Jewish employer slowly helped me look

past my swastika tattoo and recognize my potential. Over time, Keith became a mentor and father figure I never had, helping build my self-esteem. It was the love and support I hadn't received as a child.

This Jewish man treated me with kindness and challenged my misconceptions about Jews. I realized that everything I was taught by my friends growing up was wrong. Maybe I needed to judge people on a case-bycase basis, not based on their skin color or nationality.

Leaving the neo-Nazis, I made friends from various backgrounds, including a Chabad rabbi in Des Moines; that's when my story got the ultimate plot twist. I discovered potential Jewish roots in my background. My family confirmed it – I was a Jew.

Today, I'm a proud Jew. I'm eating kosher, learning about my Jewish heritage, reading the Torah, and wrapping tefillin daily. I started a nonprofit to help teens leave the dark, hateful groups I once belonged to. It's called Life After Hate. We combat extremism through youth hockey

HATE AND POWER HAD DRAWN ME DEEP INTO THE DARKNESS, BUT KEITH’S KINDNESS AND CARE SHOWED ME THE LIGHT.

games, and I travel the world speaking to schools and synagogues.

My story demonstrates how a little kindness can impact a youngster and turn a life around. It tells how an ordinary antique dealer inspired my extraordinary transformation. It's good to know that small acts of kindness have ripple effects that can turn sadness into joy and darkness into light. •

THIS INSTAGRAM KEEPS YOU SCROLLING

Scrolling takes on various meanings depending on one’s age or context. For the folks at Youzuzah.com, scrolling ensures that every Jewish household possesses a small kosher scroll known as the mezuzah.

In response to the tragic events of the Ma’alot Massacre in 1974, the Rebbe remarked: “The mezuzah protects the Jewish people inside and outside their homes.”

In the aftermath of the October 7th massacre, YouZuzah.com was launched to provide kosher scrolls to Jewish homes everywhere. Keep scrolling @Youzuzah.

THE MAKING OF A QUEEN

By Sara Esther Crispe

If there is one topic that comes up again and again when I discuss Judaism, it's the role of the Jewish woman. The misconceptions are endless, and being able to articulate and support the position within Jewish philosophy towards women is something that is always a challenge.

Women are often seen as one of the two extremes. The teachings indicate that we are more intelligent, more capable, better, more significant, etc., all at men's expense or the reverse. But never should one want to be complimented if the condition is that the other—the very other we ideally connect and create with—is then made to seem inferior.

1. Shabbat candles (her candles stayed lit from week to week), 2. Mikvah (there was holiness that hovered above her tent), 3. Challah (there was a blessing in her dough).

Sarah is both a heroine and a role model. She embodies the qualities of insight, patience, influence, and balance. While the commentaries allude to the fact that she had even more prophecy than her husband Abraham, she was a true partner in life, never using her strength to make him feel inferior but rather to empower him through his unique talents.

IS SHE THE ONE WHO DOES THE WILL OF HER HUSBAND OR THE ONE WHO MAKES THE WILL OF HER HUSBAND?

The Midrash asks, "Who is a kosher woman?"1 One explanation is that the answer is embedded in the question, for the word for "kosher" can be read as "a woman like Sarah" (kesheira = k'Sarah), referring to Sarah, our Matriarch, the first Jewish woman. Sarah represents the three foundational commandments of the woman:

1. Tana d’vei Eliyahu Rabbah 9

ULTIMATELY, SHE IS BOTH.

The answer provided in the Talmud, however, is a statement that is both controversial and can easily be used or misconstrued to show how women are inferior. The Midrash continues, 'oseh ratzon ba'alah' (most often, and yet incompletely, translated as: "she who does the will of her husband") to the question, "Who is a kosher woman?"

The definition of the infinitive 'la'asot' which is where the term 'oseh' derives from in the above response is unusual. Generally, the various meanings of a word seem to relate

to each other, yet here they are complete opposites. And that is exactly the point. Sometimes, the right thing to do—the expression of caring and love—can require extremely different things.

The word la'asot simultaneously means "to do" or "to make," which portrays the woman as either incredibly passive or demandingly intrusive. So, then, who is a kosher woman? Is she the one who does the will of her husband or the one who makes the will of her husband? Ultimately, she is both. In a healthy relationship, there are times when doing what another needs is the best way to respond to a given situation. In contrast, other times, the person needs someone to decide, determine, or make the result happen.

create from anew. But when we 'rectify,' we recognize the potential, the ability, the hidden goodness, and we work from within to reach a positive and productive end result. Rectifying does not negate what is there but rather reveals what is possible from what is. That is our role in this world.

TO RECTIFY SOMETHING WITHIN OURSELVES OR OTHERS, WE NEED EMPATHY.

But to rectify something within ourselves or others, we need empathy. We need to feel deeply connected to what is being felt and experienced. And to do so, we need to be other-centered. In Hebrew, the word for "womb," located at the center of a woman's body, is rechem. Rechem is the root of the word rachmanut, meaning "empathy." When we hold another at our core when we are truly empathetic, we don't just feel bad for the pain of another—we feel their pain.

But there is a greater level altogether. This term is first used in the Torah portion of Bereishit, meaning "beginning." And perhaps that is because the way we want to begin, the way we want to approach a situation, is this way.

It reads, 'Bereishit barah...la'asot,2' that in the beginning the world was created…to do / to make. And both are true. We were created to do what needs to be done in this world and simultaneously to create and innovate. But the foremost commentator, Rashi3, explains that the highest level of 'la'asot' should be understood as "to rectify." The world was created for us to rectify. And so, too, that is the approach we should have within our lives and relationships.

When we 'do,' we work within the construct and reality of what already exists. When we 'make,' we deconstruct and

2. Genesis 2:3

3. Bereishit Rabbah 11:7

This is why the Jewish woman is referred to as the akeret habayit, "the foundation of the home." It is not that a woman's place is in the home. The woman is the home. It doesn't matter where she is. She creates that sense of home wherever she goes. Because it is when we are at home we feel loved, safe, and supported. And when we do, we can develop, grow, and thrive and reveal our power to rectify ourselves, others, and the world at large. •

and timeless Jewish wisdom. Prior to that she was the editor of TheJewishWoman.org.

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

D.L., a dedicated soldier serving in the Panter battalion of the IDF’s Chir Gvulot division. Originally hailing from Los Angeles, she volunteered to join the IDF with a mission to protect her fellow Jews. It was eighteen minutes before sunset on Friday, and as D.L. lit her Shabbat candles, photographer Mendel Geisinsky snapped the photo.

This captivating photo is a part of the Smiling Soldiers Project, an initiative committed to revealing a dimension of the IDF seldom depicted by the global media. It aims to showcase the joy, camaraderie, and humanity inherent in the lives of our soldiers.

>>To view more inspiring images follow @officialmgphotos.

>> Sara Esther Crispe, a writer, inspirational speaker and mother of four, is the co-director of Interinclusion, a nonprofit multi-layered educational initiative celebrating the convergence between contemporary arts and sciences

UP CLOSE WITH QUEEN ESTHER

Our exclusive interview uncovers hidden secrets and unravels the origins of Purim and other thrilling backstage revelations from the heroine of the Purim saga!

(The interview is based on the Talmud, Midrash, and Chasidic teachings)

CHABAD MAGAZINE: Thank you, Your Royal Highness, for agreeing to this meeting. My daughter loves to dress up like you every Purim, and I'd like to know if you ever dressed up like Queen Esther when you were a child.

like Queen Esther when you were a chil

It's my pleasure. When I was a young girl, circa 4th Century BCE, there wasn't a queen Esther yet. All we had was the Persian Empire ruling the world. The queen at the , and Jewish girls stayed as far away as possible from anything queen-like.

QUEEN ESTHER: It's When yet. we had was time, Vashti, was cruel, and Jewish s

CM:

Without any queen aspirations, how did you go from relative obscurity into the royal

spotlight?

My life, and the life of the Jewish community, all changed when King Ahasuerus threw a massive party, got drunk, and had his wife, Queen Vashti, executed for failing to follow his orders. That's when forced beauty pageants began to find a new queen.

QE: My life, and the life of the Jewish com massive party, got drunk, and had his wife That's when forced pageants

I was a modest Jewish girl with no interest in the TikTok or Instagram of the day. I lived a very private life with my cousin Mordechai. Yet, somehow, the hidden Divine Hand behind everything arranged that I won the beauty contest and became the new queen.

I was a modest Jewish with no inter a very private life with my cousin Mordec that I won the beauty

After your big win, there was much speculation and mystery concerning your nationality; why didn't the king know you were Jewish?

CM: yo

Initially, on my way to the palace, my cousin Mordechai told me not to divulge my Of course, it was challenging keeping Shabbat in the king's court. Still, I managed to arrange different maids for each day of the week, creating a kind of human calendar, and the Saturday work staff couldn't compare how I acted on Shabbat versus Sunday.

QE: on my way to my nationality. Of course, it was to arrange different maids for ea and the staff couldn't comp

CM: about k

That's clever. What about keeping kosher? Was kosher an option in the palatial kitchen?

I couldn't ask for kosher meals at the palace; that would have given my identity away. Instead, I told the kitchen staff that I had a strict diet of beans and seeds. My faithful messenger Hathach, a pseudonym for the famous prophet Daniel, also survived on seeds.

QE: I couldn't ask for kosher meals at the I the kitchen staff that I had a for the pro

CM: Seeds?

QE: Yes, lots of poppy In Yiddish, th is

filled cookies, Mohn-Tasch, or as you call

Yes, lots of poppy seeds. In Yiddish, the poppy seed is called "Mohn," and the word for "pocket" is "Tasch." My seed diet inspired the now-famous Purim custom of eating poppyseedfilled cookies, Mohn-Tasch, or as you call it, Hamantaschen.

CM: I do call it hamantasch, but I heard that in Israel, they call Hamantaschen the "Oznei Haman," which means the ears of Haman. Did Haman have deformed triangle ears?

QE: Here's what I remember about Haman. He was from a long line of antisemites with lineage tracing back to Amalek, the first nation to attack the Jews when we left Egypt. When Mordechai, the leader of the Jews, refused to bow to Haman, that triggered Haman's hatred, and he convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of all the Jews on the 13th of Adar, a date chosen by Haman via lottery or "Pur" as he called it. I don't remember the shape of his ears.

CM: I'm happy you mentioned "Pur," which means "lots" in ancient Persian. I always found it interesting that you would name a holiday based on Haman's lottery to determine a date for his diabolical scheme.

QE: I'm glad you asked because Mordechai and I found it intriguing that Haman opted for a random lottery rather than a rational decision when selecting a date. We perceived this as Haman elevating the battle beyond good or bad behavior to the spiritual realm of "Pur," the subconscious or irrational. This new "Lottery" battle would require G-d to demonstrate His protection and love for our people, irrespective of our good deeds or rational considerations. The term "Purim" resonated with us, as it signifies the celebration of subconscious or unconditional, irrational love between G-d and His people.

CM: Wow, that's deep and beautiful. Is there anything you want to tell our readers?

QE: Yes, it was a scary time to be Jewish; there was nowhere to run. But everything turned around for us, and we went from sadness to joy, from darkness to light. I want to give my royal blessing to all your readers that they should only know joy and light.

CM: Thank you so much for your time and your blessings.

QE: My pleasure. Please remind your readers that I asked for all Jews to observe Purim by doing the following four things:

1) Read the Megillah (Scroll of Esther). This is done once on the eve of Purim and then again on Purim day.

2) Give money gifts to at least two different poor people.

3) Send gifts of two kinds of food to at least one person.

4) Enjoy a festive Purim meal, which often includes wine or other intoxicating beverages.

CM: Thank you! •

MEET THE PUPPET PRODIGY IN JEWISH REGGAE

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Signed to Farbrengable Studios and boasting a verified Spotify account with nearly ten thousand monthly listeners, Afiko.man's success has yet to go to his puppet head. His distinctive sound, characterized by uplifting messages of faith and gratitude, sets him apart in the music scene. Tracks like "Ma Rabu" celebrate the world's wonders, while "Shabbat Shalom" showcases Afiko.man's musical essence of serenity and purpose.

It's well-known that puppets rely entirely on their puppeteers for movement and direction. However, Afiko.man has defied expectations by forging his path in Jewish music, adding his unique flavor to the genre.

The first notable appearance of Afiko.man on the radar of Jewish music enthusiasts was in the music video of Chasidic superstar Avraham Fried. However, his recent ascent to international fame took a quantum leap with a collaboration featuring Grammy-nominated Reggae and hip-hop fusion artist Matisyahu. The remix of "Jerusalem" showcases the synergy between Matisyahu and Afiko.man and stands as a powerful expression of unity in support of Israel.

>>To delve deeper into the world of the up-andcoming Afiko.man, follow his journey on Instagram @afiko.man.

Above: International superstar Afiko.man enlists the help of international superstar Alex Clare to affix a mezuzah on the home of international superstar Matisyahu

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