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Purim
By Mona Lease
Hi, all!! For those of you who read my columns faithfully - thanks
much!! - you know that there are some things I just gotta find out for
myself - no offense to anyone.
All of my life I have heard phrases like "Jew someone down on a price"
or those people won't let you "jew" them, etc. I've heard about
Orthodox Jews, Traditional Jews, Jews for Jesus, etc. Roughly ten years
ago, I started researching these subjects. My high school diploma was
not in vain; I do know how to read...imagine what I could do if I would
have actually studied past the study halls in school!!
As I write this, Purim starts at sundown (March 4th) and ends at
sundown on March 5th. Purim means "lots" or lottery. A guy named Haman
was mad because a Jewish man refused to obey the King's order and bow
down to him (Haman). Haman set up a lottery to choose a date to
exterminate all of the Jews ...the 13th of Adar (Jewish calendar).
I'll sidestep a lot of the stuff that goes with Purim - costumes, food,
etc. and get to my point. A primary theme of Purim is Jewish
unity...they were all in trouble together when Haman tried to
exterminate them and they need to be together to help each other
now.They are to give money or food to at least two needy people during
the daylight hours of Purim. PS - through the teachings - one is
required to do some sort of work. If you can't find any needy people
you place at least two coins in a charity box earmarked for that
specific reason. On Purim they give a donation to whomever asks and
they are not to verify anyone's bank balance first. Small children are
encouraged to participate in this!
On Purim, the importance of friendship and community is demonstrated by
gifts of food to friends. During the daylight hours of Purim - one
sends a package of two different ready-to-eat food items and/or
beverages...pastry, fruit, etc. - to at least one Jewish acquaintance.
Men send to men and women send to women. Think about that for a few
minutes.
I've been applying most of the "Jewish teachings" to my own life. The
results have always been positive - especially where the "personal
reflection" holidays are concerned. I spoke with a Jewish person who
told me that anyone is welcome at the synagogue.
I sat listening to a woman speak at a local eatery. She told her
luncheon companion that she had told her 35+ year old daughter that she
had babied her because of a health condition. She said it was time for
the daughter to take responsibility for herself and her actions...that
when she (the Mother) died, the daughter would most certainly have to
"go it alone." And I wondered -
How far off of reality is Purim? Granted - there will always be someone
who wants a "hand-out." But - the idea of Purim can not be just for a
given religious denomination - can it? If the Jews believe that "they
were all in trouble together because a man wanted them all
exterminated" - aren't we all, collectively, in some sort of trouble
now? And, if "sticking together" was/is an answer for Purim observers -
is that our answer now? Seriously - if everyone gave to someone they
knew was needy - then you would know where your time, effort and money
went - wouldn't you? Happy belated Purim!!
Remember the kiddies and our service people. Take good care of the
furry and feathered ones out there. Be safe and healthy. See ya next
time. Ever Toodles!! MONA
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