Celebrating Purim In Israel’s Marketplace

This year, Purim holds heightened significance as Jews are still experiencing one of the most difficult times in recent history. The enduring trauma of the Simchat Torah attacks on October 7th of last year, the war in Israel, the perilous fate of the 59 hostages still in Hamas captivity, and the distressing rise of antisemitism across the globe place a new understanding of the genocidal intent of the Purim story’s villain Haman, who sought to enact the elimination of the Jewish people. It also brings hope of the Jewish people overcoming the present challenges and a brighter future, as in the story of Purim, when the table was turned with miracles from the Almighty, the Jews were victorious over their enemies.

The relevance and message of the festival of Purim has never been more acute than today. That is, when faced with those who wish evil upon us, the response of the Jewish people is to strengthen our trust in G-d and turn to joy as a way of combating darkness.

In 1971, the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, called upon people in Israel to assist the soldiers of the IDF to fulfill the observances of Purim. The Purim awareness campaign has since expanded to reach all Jews, and today impacts people at hospitals, nursing homes, children at school and of course regular folks on the streets.

The Jewish people are going through a very difficult time, but Purim reminds us that ultimately, through coming closer to G-d and our heritage, G-d will guide us through this time as he did for our ancestors, and this is why, despite all the evil, we will celebrate, as we have done countless times throughout our history.

Although the general theme of Purim is all about Joy, the four specific Mitzvahs associated with this holiday are 1) Giving gifts of money to at least two poor people. 2) Sending food gifts, made up of at least two types of foods, to at least one friend. 3) Enjoy a festive Purim meal, preferably with friends. And 4) Recounting the story of the Purim miracle, by reading the Megillah, also known as the Scroll of Esther.

When we take the focus off of ourselves, and instead see how we can help others, by giving charity and giving gifts of food. When our focus is shifted from celebrating in silence, to having a meal with others. When we remember the miracles that occurred, not just to our ancestors many years ago, but also to us, over and over again. It really forces us to bring out our inner joy, and slowly transform it into a pure joy!

I encourage you to contact your local Chabad or synagogue to see what they’re doing to celebrate. You’re of course welcome to join us, free of charge at one of our many Megillah readings, or for only $3.60 at our annual Purim Party extravaganza! This year's theme is Purim in The Shuk, where you will be able to experience the vibe, energy & flavors of the Holy Land's Erev Shabbat Shuk marketplace.

Since this year the holiday falls out on Friday, it’s preferable to start the festive meal before Halachic midday, which is at 1:29 p.m. that day. This makes the crazy Friday, before-Shabbos rush, even crazier! But we’ve been through greater challenges! And we’ll surely get through this one in the most fun and exciting way!

Noted as the most joyous date on the Jewish calendar, the daylong holiday commemorates the nullification in 356 B.C.E. of a Persian decree calling for the extermination of the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire as told in the biblical Book of Esther. Chabad’s original spin on this age-old holiday has helped bring the spirit of Purim to the area year after year.

The event is a community-wide program, and all are welcome to join, regardless of affiliation or background. Children and adults will enjoy great shuk-themed foods like shawarma and falafel, live music, the Kibbutz Petting Zoo, Donkey Rides, Kotel Photobooth, Israeli Hair Braiding, Hebrew Name Bracelet Making and the whole Megillah! The festivities will be held right behind the construction site at 2601 NE 211th Terrace, Miami, Florida 33180, on Friday, March 14th at 1:00 p.m. - 3:30pm.

For party details, Megillah reading times or to learn more about the holiday & the complete Purim story, or to help sponsor food for the poor either locally or in Israel, please call: (305) 770-1919. Or visit: www ChabadChayil.org/Purim

A Poem:

A visit to the Shuk, is always exciting

But shopping this Purim, you’ll feel your soul igniting

The hustle and bustle preparing for the Shabbat queen

Israel's markets are unlike anywhere you've ever been

The colors and aromas will necessitate many stops

Grab a snack as you stroll through the shops

This Friday extra rushed you may feel

Cuz the Shabbat we anticipate is the ‘real deal’

‘Yom Shekulo Shabbat’ is how the Moshiach era is known

The tranquility of this special day, will finally be shown

No more will there be war or heartache or pain

This Shabbat all our brothers will be home, Amen

About the Author

Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the Rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at: (305) 770-1919. Or: rabbi@ChabadChayil.org.