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How Did it Get
to Be So Early? I have to share one of my most annoying habits with you. Along with often responding, "yes" to the question, "Do you know what time it is?" I have an equally grating custom when it comes to Jewish time. Whenever I am asked a question along the lines of, "When does Purim come this year?" I am bound to answer, "Why, on the 14th of Adar, just like every year!" Certain habits just die hard. In all seriousness, the 14th of Adar does come early this year, relative to our secular calendar, about as early as it can come. We will be reading the Megilah and noshing on hamantaschen on February 25th, long before we normally get to taste this queen among delicacies. Of course, there are other Purim traditions such as getting inebriated, and even some Purim traditions that are bit more wholesome, particularly mishloach manot, the giving of gifts of food. What? Give gifts on Purim? I thought that was what we did on Hanukkah! Not so fast…. Purim is in fact the Jewish holiday for giving gifts. Sure, Hanukkah has the gelt, but that's where the tradition stops. If you want some real gift giving, turn to the Book of Esther! The fourteenth of Adar…the same day on which the Jews had enjoyed relief from their foes… They were to observe them as days of feasting and merrymaking and as an occasion for sending gifts – mishloach manot – to one another and presents to the poor. The Jews accordingly assumed as an obligation that which they had begun to practice.- Esther 9:21-23 Here's a mitzvah that all of us can engage in, and which will make our holiday more festive. To fulfill the mitzvah, all you need to do is give a gift of at least two kinds of food to another person. It's easy and fun. There is also a tremendous side benefit to this mitzvah – it helps all of us with children in our efforts to overcome the December dilemma. Just imagine how wonderful it would be to have our kids as excited and engaged in Purim as they currently are in Hanukkah. Imagine how they would feel at school when they brought a special snack to class and explained to their friends how Jews give and receive gifts at other times, not just in December. I encourage all of us to give mishloach manot a try this year, even if Purim is sneaking up on us earlier than we normally celebrate. Preparing gifts is a great activity for the family, it keeps us in touch with our ancient traditions, and it brightens the days of those who receive a gift. A happy and healthy Purim to you all. Rabbi David Freelund |
