Purim
~Achashverosh: King who ruled over 127 countries, including Persia where
the story of Purim took place. He made a huge feast to celebrate his power
and wealth. Killed his wife, the Queen Vashti, after she refused to show up at
his party.
~Esther: Mordechai’s orphaned niece. Beautiful Jewish woman who was
chosen as Queen of Persia in place of Vashti. Kept her Jewish identity hidden
from her husband the King.
~Haman: Wicked man, wanted to kill all the Jews on one day. Was hanged
on the very gallows he built for Mordechai his enemy.
~Mordechai: Jewish Rabbi and leader during the Purim story. Guided Esther
throughout her life in the Palace, and helped bring about the Purim miracle
by encouraging the Jews to do Teshuvah and fast to Hashem for salvation.
~The Four Mitzvot of Purim are...
1) Megillah –We hear the Megillah (story of Purim) twice
2) Meal-we eat a festive meal
3) Mishloach Manot-We send a gift of two foods to one friend
4) Matanot La’Evyonim-We give charity to at least two poor people
~We also dress up in costumes and eat Hamantashen
Purim Lessons:
~Hashem was hidden in the story of Purim-there were no open miracles.
Purim teaches us that even when we don’t see Hashem’s hand directing the
events of this word, He is in fact working behind the scenes the entire time,
and He is directing it all.