It’s almost that time- Purim is just around the corner! We hope that you will join us for all of our festivities- Wed. February 28th, 4:15-5:00pm is our Purim carnival for ages 0-5, followed by our silly and fun filled Megillah reading for our religious school families at 5:00pm. The fun will continue for children of all ages with dinner, a video game truck and a Purim party from 6:00-7:30pm! Traditional Megillah reading will begin at 7:00PM tomorrow night and a second reading of the Megillah will occur on Thursday, March 1 during morning minyan at 8:00am. All events are open to the community, so bring your friends and family!
One of the four mitzvot of Purim includes matanot la-evyonim, giving gifts to the poor. Taken from the Megillah itself, we are reminded that part of our obligation during this holiday is to give back to those in need. The Shulchan Arukh, our central law code from the 16th century, teaches:
Everyone is obliged to give at least two gifts to two poor people…. One should not be discriminating when giving Purim money, but whoever extends his hand to take Purim money may be given it. In a locality where it is the custom to give Purim money even to a non-Jew, it may in fact be given to a non-Jew. Ibid., 694:3 Shulchan Arukh, Orech Chayim, 694:1, 3
Maimonides, commenting a few centuries earlier in the 12th century, taught that:
…No investigations should be made of applicants for such Purim money, rather it should be given to anyone who stretches out his hand. Nor may Purim money be diverted to any other charitable purposes. Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Purim 2:16, 12th century
It is preferable to spend more on gifts to the poor than on the Purim meal or on presents to friends, for no joy is greater of more glorious than the joy of gladdening the hearts of the poor, the orphans, the widows, and the strangers. Indeed, he who causes the hearts of those unfortunates to rejoice emulates the Divine Presence, of whom Scripture says, To revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones (Isaiah 57:15) Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Purim 2:17
In other words, Purim is specifically designated as a holiday for giving to those in need in addition to the more widely practiced mitzvah of giving gifts to our friends, family and neighbors by giving shalach manot.
Below are a few organizations that you might consider this year. Of course, these are just suggestion- feel free to make a donation to any organization, or give directly, to anyone who is in need of tzedakah.
2. Mazon (A Jewish response to hunger world wide)
3. Fulfil (previously known as the Monmouth County Food Bank)
Hag Purim Sameach! I hope it is a wonderful and joyous Purim for all of you!
