by Kelly Hartog, Staff Writer Courtesy of The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles Religious groups are protesting drinking on Purim following a rise in teen alcoholism. One is obligated to become intoxicated on Purim until one cannot distinguish between “cursed is Haman” and “blessed is Mordechai” (Talmud, Megillah 7b). Purim is like the Jewish […]

“Acharon, Acharon Chaviv!” The Last mentioned is the most beloved! In the Megillah (9:22), where the Mitzvot of Purim are listed, this one is listed last. However, as mentioned above in connection with the “Seudah,” the Festive Meal, of Purim, providing monetary support for the poor is probably the most important of all the Mitzvot […]

The Story of Purim Introduction Purim is known as the Holiday of the “nes nistar,” the “hidden miracle.” This is because HaShem saved the Jewish People without splitting any seas, or making mountains dance and catch fire, as he had done with Mt. Sinai, when he gave His Torah to the Jewish People there some […]

The 7th of Adar was the day on which Moshe Rabbeinu (the Biblical Moses) was born, and also the day on which he died exactly 120 years later. His burial place is unknown. Linking Jewish present to past, modern day Israel has instituted a public memorial ceremony on this day for Israel Defense Forces soldiers […]

On the 13th of Adar (this year, 5764, the 11th – see explanation below), the Fast of Esther is observed in commemoration of the Fast observed by Mordechai and Esther and all Israel. On that very day, the enemies of the Jews had planned to subjugate and destroy them. The opposite, however, occurred and the […]

When Adar Comes – Joyfulness Reigns!! MiShenichnas Adar Marbim BeSimcha!! When Adar Comes, Joy Is Increased!! Adar Is Here Be Happy!! The month of Adar is the last month of the year counting from Nisan and is referred to in Tanach (abbreviation for Torah, Prophets and Writings) this way. Even in the event of a leap year, when […]

The month of Shevat is the eleventh month counting from Nisan. As it states in the Book of Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah), ‘On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month of Shevat…’ (Yirmeyahu 1). In the general calendar year of Jewish tradition, which begins with Tishrei, it is the fifth month. “ROSH CHODESH” OF SHEVAT […]

In Bereshit The Chumash does not explicitly address the Darwinian conception of the relationship between Man and the Trees, in terms of an ancient ancestor of Man living in them. However, the Book of Bereshit and the rest of the Five Books do contain material suggesting a profound relationship between the Human Being and the […]

In the Exodus The Midrash teaches that Jewish women played a major role in the Exodus, by keeping alive the spirits of their husbands, preventing them from becoming depressed under the burden of slavery, and giving up in despair. They accomplished this by paying special attention to their appearance, and charming and enticing their husbands, […]

Sign: Akrav (Scorpion) – because the earth is thirsty for water Other Names: Mar Cheshvan, Bul, Hachodesh HaShmini Significance: Cheshvan, the month following Tishrei on the modern Jewish calendar is referred to in the Tanach as Yerach Bul (Kings I, Chapter 6:38). Bul refers to the idea that during this month the grass withers (baleh) […]