Shabbat Zachor

“Remember that which Amalek did to you on the way when you went forth from Egypt.” (Devarim 25:17)

After the downfall of Egypt, the Israelites felt secure and became somewhat self-reliant. This great generation certainly did not forget their Father and King, yet a minute degree of trust in Hashem’s help was subtracted from their minds. Therefore Amalek came to refresh their Awareness of the need for Hashem’s constant help. This is therefore one purpose of our many enemies, to remind us always to call for help from Hashem and to become more aware of Him.

We see this principle clearly in the Purim epic. Picture the scene: two wine drinkers are reclining on festive couches. One says, “sell to me all the Jews in your empire for destruction,” and the other replies, “they are yours for the asking.” And Ahashverosh removes his ring of royal authority from his finger and hands it to Haman the sworn enemy of the Jews.

Suddenly the Jews saw doom staring in their face. Now the Jewish nation arose, under the leadership of Mordechai, in a mighty effort of the spirit, never before equaled. On this the Talmud asserts: “The removal of the ring was greater (accomplished more) than 48 prophets and 7 prophetesses.” (Megilah 14A) Whatever the prophets (including Moshe) achieved, it was less than that which Haman (from Amalek) accomplished resulting in, “They accepted again the Torah in the days of Ahashverosh.” (Shabbat 88A)

And this time it was without any reservations, done with full free will and with joy and love for Hashem. Because they knew they were doomed, they fasted for three days, all due to the guidance of the Torah leaders, Mordechai and Esther. Thus they achieved a complete repentance in a national experience never even remotely equaled in the history of Mankind. And then, suddenly, there is Haman hanging and also his ten sons, neatly in a row!!

But Israel has an alternative. If we cry out in gratitude always to Hashem, we do not need any harassment from the nations; for calling to Hashem out of grateful happiness gains even more favor from Hashem.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim

Do you want to help others have a really special Purim?

The Norensberg Foundation is promoting a Purim costume gemach. While we are not associated with the gemach itself, we thought what they are doing is important so we have decided to help out in whatever way possible. You can help too by donating costumes, volunteering or getting your costumes from the gemach. By doing so, you will help someone have a special Purim.

For more information you can call 347-723-0616 or e-mail them at purimcostumegemach@gmail.com. They are located at 1641 E 31ST ST (Bet Ave P and Quentin Rd) in Brooklyn and they are open on the following Sundays: February 22, March 1 and March 8 from 11AM-3PM.

To download a printable flyer to post in Shul, the office or elsewhere, follow the links below.

• PDF (19.5MB)
• PNG (1MB)

Shabbat Zachor
Chag Purim Sameyach

“Remember that which Amalek did to you on the way when you went forth from Egypt.” (Devarim 25:17)

After the downfall of Egypt, the Israelites felt secure and became somewhat self-reliant. This great generation certainly did not forget their Father and King, yet a minute degree of trust in Hashem’s help was subtracted from their minds. Therefore Amalek came to refresh their Awareness of the need for Hashem’s constant help. This is therefore one purpose of our many enemies, to remind us always to call for help from Hashem and to become more aware of Him.

We see this principle clearly in the Purim epic. Picture the scene: two wine drinkers are reclining on festive couches. One says, ’sell to me all the Jews in your empire for destruction,’ and the other replies, ‘they are yours for the asking’. And Ahashverosh removes his ring of royal authority from his finger and hands it to Haman the sworn enemy of the Jews. Suddenly the Jews saw doom staring in their face.

Now the Jewish nation arose, under the leadership of Mordechai, in a mighty effort of the spirit, never before equaled. On this the Talmud asserts:”The removal of the ring was greater (accomplished more) than 48 prophets and 7 prophetesses” (Megilah 14A). Whatever the prophets (including Moshe) achieved, it was less than that which Haman (from Amalek) accomplished. Resulting in,”They accepted again the Torah in the days of Ahashverosh” (Shabbat 88A). And this time it was without any reservations. Because they knew they were doomed, they fasted for three days and achieved a complete repentance in a national experience never even remotely equaled in the history of Mankind.

And then, suddenly, there is Haman hanging and also his ten sons, neatly in a row!! But Israel has an alternative. If we cry out in gratitude always to Hashem, we do not need any harassment from the nations; for calling to Hashem out of grateful happiness gains even more favor from Hashem.

Shabbat Shalom

Chag Purim Sameyach

The Gemarah in Eruvin teaches, “He who allows himself to be persuaded by wine follows in the way of Hashem.” After the Flood, in response to Noah’s offering, Hashem allowed Himself to be persuaded and made a covenant not to destroy the world again.”

Although Hashem brought the flood in response to the wicked ways of Man, so too man who believes he has reasons to be upset with his fellowman, yet under the influence he becomes persuaded to put aside his gripes and makes up.

The numerical value of Yayin, Wine, is 70 and the numerical value of Sod is 70. When wine goes in, the Sod (inner depths) comes forth. What is this wine that we should allow ourselves to become persuaded by it? It is 1) the wine of Torah and Mitzvoth 2) the wine of Life 3) the wine of Happiness, etc. What is this Sod that comes forth? It is YKV”K (Hashem). How did it get there? Hashem blew it into the Soul of Man. Sometimes, however, we need real Wine.

Purim is a time that we have to become persuaded by Wine. When we study the Megilah and the great hand of Hashem that was operating throughout the entire story it inebriates us. From the outset with the appointment of a queen with the temperament of Vashti, who would thus anger the king by disobeying his command.

When the Jews fasted for three days with a definite death sentence hanging over them, they opened their curtains and suddenly to the utter astonishment of all they saw and shouted, “HAMAN IS HANGING FROM THE TREE!!!!!” The people became INTOXICATED. They allowed themselves to become persuaded, and from their hearts poured forth Emunah Peshuta a deeper belief in Hashem.

If we study the Megilah in depth we, too, will become persuaded to this great belief. However, real wine will help to jumpstart this feeling. So when we rejoice on the Purim Festival, we too, will use this as an opportunity to become persuaded and ingrain in ourselves a deeper understanding that HASHEM ECHAD. That the Guardian of Yisrael is in charge at all times and never slumbers.

“WE LOVE YOU HASHEM”!!!!!

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Purim