Purim
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Queen Esther’s Children
Were Queen Esther’s children raised as Jews? Answer: You are asking an excellent question. I can’t give you a definitive answer, but I can give you food for thought. In order to serve G-d as a Jewess, without being turned…
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Gift Bags on Purim?
Is there a traditional “gift bag” that is given to friends on Purim, and what is in it? Answer: On Purim, Jews have a commandment to share gifts of food with each other, as a way of increasing kindness between…
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Monetary Commandments Related to Purim
Regarding two laws for the holiday of Purim: 1. Can you give me a precise definition for Matanot La’Evyonim and Machatzit Hashekel? 2. How does a woman accurately observe these commandments? Answer: Matanot Le’Evyonim– Giving the monetary equivalent of a…
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A Purim Name
My name is Sharon. What is the spiritual meaning of the name “Sharon?” Answer: Dear Sharon, The Talmud tells of Rav Meir, who was able to derive and understand a person’s nature, abilities, and mission in life based on the deeper meaning…
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Date of Purim
Do we celebrate Purim on the date that victory was declared in the Jewish war against their Persian enemies? When did the war commence and what was the war’s duration? Answer: The war was fought on the 13th of the…
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Hamantashen
Why do we eat Hamantashen (a filled triangular cookie) on Purim? Answer: The hamantash is three-cornered to signify that the man named Haman was “tash” (weakened in Hebrew) by the merit of the three patriarchs (as symbolized by the three…
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Megillah (Scroll) of Esther: Accuracy and Lessons
Do you believe that the book of Esther is historically accurate? If it is not, do you believe that the lessons we can learn from it are equally as valid? Answer: Thank you for asking this question. The answer is…
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Hallel on Purim
I noticed that Hallel was not recited on Purim (or was I sleeping when it was recited?) Any particular reason for this? Thanks. Answer: Even if you were sleeping, you would not have missed Hallel. You can pat yourself on the back because you…
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Why wasn’t a Megillah written for Chanukah?
Why did the Sages not write a Megillah to commemorate the miracle of Chanukah, as was the case with the miracle of Purim? Answer: A possible answer to your question is that the books of Tanach (Hebrew Bible) were written…