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To celebrate this festival properly, SIX different events will be occurring between this coming Tuesday, March 11, and next Sunday, March 16. These will give everyone an opportunity to follow the age-old traditions of this holiday.
1) This coming Tuesday, March 11, is a special class at the Salzman's. The title of this class: "Purim: is it true this festival institutionalizes drinking alcohol?" A fascinating story about two Talmudic Rabbis who drank on Purim and almost created a disaster, will shed light on what purim means, and what drinking alcohol does. This is a must class!
2) On Thursday, March 13, beginning at 6:38 a.m. is the "Fast of Esther". This fast commemorates the day on which the Jewish people stood to defend themselves against the vicious and hateful people inspired by Haman to murder all Jewish men, women and children. Esther fasted for the successful outcome of this war. It was successful, and we now have Purim. Similarly, this reminds us that when we band together, and fast and pray to the Almighty, He listens. On this day, we do not eat or drink from the beginning of the day. The fast ends at nightfall, 8:09 p.m. [Normally, this fast is the day before Purim. The day before Purim this year is Shabbos, so the fast is pushed earlier.]
3) Saturday morning, March 15, at 10:30 a.m. During the Torah reading, a special very short portion is read, describing the enemies who, inspired by pure hatred, continue to attack the Jewish people and seek their destruction. The Torah admonishes the Jewish people never to forget.
4) Purim night, Saturday night, March 15 at 8:45, the "Megillah" (book of Esther) will be read (Shabbos will end at 8:22.) This will take about a half hour. Please bring your noise makers, as it is customary to make noises when Haman's name is read, in the attempt to remind all people that hateful people have no place. This is one of the four obligations of the festival: To hear the Megillah reading TWICE, once at night, and the second time by day. (Stay tuned for the other three obligations.)
5) On Sunday morning, at around 9:30 a.m., half hour before Kabbalah and Coffee, the Megillah will be read at our synagogue for those who want to get this done earlier in the day. (The Megillah will also be read later in the day at our Purim party).
6) "PURIM IN THE STADIUM". This is another obligation of the day: To have a festive meal. We will expect all our sports stars to show up at 5:00 p.m. to 313 Dividend Drive in Peachtree City. We expect to see you in full uniform; we will eat stadium food (hot dogs and wings, anyone?); we will have a half-time show; and we will have fun and games with a sports-related twist. During this meal we will have the chance to fulfil the other two obligations: giving two prepared foods to a friend, and donating money to the poor and institutions.
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