As appeared in Torah Tidbits Kadeish Kiddush is said over the first of the Four Cups. Most people stand for Seder Kiddush (even if they usually sit for Kiddush). When saying SHE’HE’CHE’YANU, have in mind the Yom Tov and the mitzvot of matza, Haggada, and the 4 Cups. (Women who make their own Kiddush should […]

It is a Mitzvah to have a sumptuous meal on Purim, including meat and wine. This meal is held during the day. If one holds it at night, he fails to fulfill his obligation. Nevertheless, after the reading of the Megillah on the night of the 14th (in ‘unwalled cities’), or on the night of […]

Retold by Rabbi Pinchas Stolper Our Sages teach that when the Messiah arrives the festivals will cease to be observed, but Purim will continue to be observed. The Midrash (Mishlei 9) derives this unusual conclusion from a statement in Megillat Esther, (9:28) “the memory of Purim will never cease from among their descendants.” Why should […]

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 […]

To our esteemed rabbis and community leaders: As you know, I have been alerting the community of the increasing problem of alcohol abuse and marijuana smoking among Jewish adolescents. It is unfortunate that many people still do not accept that some of our own children are involved. This is happening to children from the finest […]

The 7th of Adar was the day on which Moshe Rabeinu (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 – Joyfullness 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 […]