1. There is a special inyan to [red]recite Tehillim Chapter 22 on Ta’anis Esther and Purim[/red], for this is the Kepitel recited by Esther herself upon entering Achashveirosh’s throne room uninvited (See Kav HaYashar 97).
2. When contributing Machatzis HaShekel today, one should say [red]“Zecher L’Machatzis HaShekel”--[/red]this is the remembrance of the Machatzis HaShekel, so as not to leave the impression that this is an actual contribution to the Bais HaMikdosh, which was given at this time of year. (Luach Eretz Yisroel of Rav Tukchinsky, Z’TL)
3. On Purim, one should endeavor to [red]give Mishloach Manos [/red]not only to your relative, your best friend or your neighbor, but also [red]to someone whom you are a little bit “on the outs” with[/red], or with whom you do not speak enough, or with whom you have a somewhat cool relationship for various reasons, or for a particular reason, or for no reason at all. There is no better time to break the ice--or even to warm the cool water--by knocking on someone’s door unsolicited with a smile and a colorful Mishloach Manos. What better way could there be to dispel the claims of Haman HaRasha that we are “a dispersed and separated people”? Anyone who dislikes coolness, discord or dispute between two groups or even within one group of our people should also move to eliminate it from within himself and his family, as well. So…knock on that door…and “PURIM SAMEACH”-“A FREILICHIN PURIM”-“HAPPY PURIM”!
4. The Rema (in Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 695:2) writes that [red]the Seudas Purim, the festive Purim meal, should commence with Divrei Torah.[/red] The Mishne Berurah (in Orach Chayim 429, seif katan 2) rules that one must begin learning about Pesach on Purim--which is exactly 30 days before Pesach. Accordingly, putting the Rema and Mishne Berurah together, it is therefore a custom to commence the Purim seudah with a halacha about Pesach. In this way, one also connects the Geulah of Purim to the Geulah of Pesach (see Taanis 29A, which states that the reason we should increase our simcha to such a great extent in Adar is because it is the commencement of both the miracles of Purim and Pesach).
MAY WE GO FROM REDEMPTION TO REDEMPTION!
Special Note One: An additional noteworthy question was submitted regarding Purim:
Can you identify five instances of Middah K’neged Middah that appear in the Megillah?
Special Note Two: As we get closer to Purim we should begin to more intensely feel Hashem’s tangible but non-visible presence in our every day lives—and especially when we recite the words “Baruch Ata”—Blessed are **You** when reciting a Brocha. When it comes to Purim day itself, we will then have a greater appreciation of the Megillah as we read its “story”!
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Reprinted with permission from Hakhel MIS
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Important Numbers
