The Purim Mitzvot
Purim is one of the most festive days on the Jewish calendar. Here are the four ways we show it, getting the whole family involved!
1. Listen to the Megillah
Megillat Esther is Esther’s and Mordechai’s firsthand narrative of Haman’s plot and how he was miraculously vanquished. We listen to the Megillah twice: once on Saturday Night, March 23, 2024 and again on Sunday, March 24, 2024. Try not to miss a word! It’s an interactive event: when Haman’s name is mentioned, twirl graggers (noisemakers) and stamp your feet to drown out the sound of his evil name.
2. Eat a Festive Meal
During the daytime of Sunday, March 24, 2024 celebrate with a festive and joyous meal. Traditional foods include soup with kreplach (stuffed dumplings) and fruit or nut-filled hamantashen cookies. The hidden fillings in both foods remind us of G-d’s hidden, yet everpresent involvement in the Purim episode. (In fact, the name of G-d is not mentioned even once in Megillat Esther!)
3. Send Gifts of Food
Purim is a time to celebrate Jewish unity and friendship. We send packages containing at least two different kinds of readyto-eat food (e.g. hamantashen and fruit) to at least one friend. Men give to men and women give to women. These gifts, Mishloach Manot, are often delivered by a child or friend, expanding the circle of joy.
4. Give to the Poor
Giving tzedakah (charity), a yearround obligation, is a particularly special mitzvah on Purim. Give charity to at least two needy individuals on Purim day, ideally by giving directly to the person. If this is not possible, place at least two coins into two different charity boxes.
Beth Moshe Congregation is filled with generations of South Florida families with roots and traditional values.