Holidays – Purim
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Purim
About Purim
Purim tells the story of Esther and Haman, and begins with a feast in the kingdom of Persia, hosted by King Ahashverosh. The king was flaunting his riches and treasures for all to see, and decided that his beautiful wife, Queen Vashti, should also be displayed. But when the king sent for Vashti, she refused to appear before him. In anger, he threw Vashti out of the palace. In search of a new wife, the king chose Esther, a young and very beautiful Jewish woman. Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, cautioned her not to tell the king that she was a Jew.
King Ahashverosh bestowed a special honor on Haman, his power-hungry assistant, telling all the people in his kingdom to bow down to Haman. As a Jew, Mordecai refused. Haman became enraged and devised a plan to kill all the Jews. He even bribed the king into signing the declaration.
To determine the date the Jews were to be attacked, Haman drew lots (“purim” in Hebrew). Mordecai, however, discovered Haman’s evil scheme and revealed it to Esther. Esther decided she must tell Ahashverosh, even if it meant her life.
King Ahashverosh was horrified to learn that his beautiful wife and her people were in danger. Haman was condemned to be hanged on the gallows and Mordecai was elevated to the position of Prime Minister. The Jews were safe once again, and Esther and Mordecai proclaimed the day to be one of feasting and merrymaking.
For more information, click here.
This year Purim falls on Sunday, March 24 (it begins at sundown on Saturday, March 23).
Sunday, March 9 11:00am
Cantor Falkow Lounge
RSVP Deadline March 4
Plan to join us for our annual Hamentaschen for Hunger event on Sunday, March 17 at 11:00am, in the Cantor Falkow Lounge. Executive Director Debra Lytle will walk participants step-by-step through the recipe, giving tips and tricks along the way.
After the dough is made, participants will have the opportunity to perform the mitzvah of matanot la’evyonim, and visit our Donation Station to make bags for those in need at the Primavera Foundation Homeless Shelters.* We will roll, stuff and shape our cookies to bring them home to bake.
*Please drop off individually wrapped snacks in the Lynne Falkow-Strauss Foyer leading up to our event, or bring them in on March 9 to include in the bags.
$25 per kit*
Each kit makes about a dozen cookies
(complimentary for our B’Yahad students.)
Please RSVP no later than March 4.
*$30 per kit at the door. Limited sets available.
Designed to satisfy both the body and the soul, all proceeds will be split evenly between the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and Leket Israel, the National Food Bank of Israel. Please give as you can on our secure website (click here). Donations of $100 or more will receive a custom-printed Hamentaschen For Hunger Apron, as supplies last.
Please RSVP by March 4th.
Click here to RSVP and/or make your secure donation.
Thursday, March 13
Aloha Purim Carnival & Megillah Reading
Come and celebrate Purim Hawaiian-style with a fun-filled evening!
Dress in your favorite costume like Lilo & Stitch, Moana,
or whatever fits your style!
Mahalo & Chag Purim Sameach!
Please bring a can of food for the Community Food Bank!
FREE Purim Carnival with
games, inflatables, |
Dairy pasta dinner |
Ma'ariv, Havdalah & FULL Megillah Reading |
5:00pm | 5:45pm | 6:30pm |
Rabbi Breger Hall | Cantor Falkow Lounge | Sanctuary & on Zoom |
Pasta Dinner
$10 per person
$15 per person after March 10 or at the door.
RSVP for dinner and/or dessert party no later than Monday, March 10
Click here to RSVP for dinner by March 10.