Mishenichnas Adar Marbim Besimcha! When Adar comes, we increases in joy!

Adar is a very happy month during which our luck is very strong. In fact, it says that if you have a legal case to take care of, it's best to do it during the month of Adar.

We have 4 weeks where we read an extra Parsha (portion) from the Torah. One is the first week of Adar: It is called: "Shekalim". The Jewish People were commanded to each give a half a Shekel which was then used towards buying community offerings for the Beth Hamikdash. This was done every year at this time, before the month of Nissan, which is why we read it now.

The second Shabbat is named: "Zachor" which means 'Remember'. This is always read the Shabbat before Purim as it talks about wiping out the nation of Amalek, the ancestors of Haman.

The Shabbat after Purim is the 3rd week of Adar, it is called "Para" where we read about the red heifer which was used to purify the people in the times of the Beit Hamikdash. At this time of year everyone made sure to be pure so they could bring the Passover Offering to the temple on Passover.

The week before the month of Nissan we read the 4th portion called "Hachodesh" in which the first Pesach laws were given.

Remembering that Queen Esther had all the Jewish People fast to annul the decree of Haman, we fast the day before Purim as well. However, since this year the day before Purim falls on Shabbat, and we do not fast on Shabbat (except if it is Yom Kippur) it is changed to the Thursday before: Feb. 25. The fast starts at 5:03am and ends at 5:57pm.

On Saturday night, Feb. 27, we will have our Annual Purim Play, presented by the Hebrew School at 7:00, which will be followed by the first reading of the Megillah. Open to everyone in the community!

On this day it is also customary, to give 3 'half' coins to Tzedakah. (In the USA that would be Half Dollar coins, (available at the bank or at Shaloh House.)This is to remember the half Shekel which the Jewish people gave before the building of the Tabernacle.

There are 4 Mitzvot (Commandments) for Purim:

1- To hear the Megillah twice. Once at night at the beginning of Purim and once during the day. Join us at Shaloh House on Saturday night at 7:00pm, and on Sunday 11:00am for a Family Megillah reading.
2- Mishloach Manot- To give 2 ready-to-eat food items to at least 1 friend on Purim day.
3-To give Tzedakah, at least 1 coin to at least 2 people on Purim day.
4- To eat a special meal.