HAPPY PURIM

HAPPY PURIM

Esther Denouncing Haman, by Ernest Normand

"These days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out among their descendants."  (Esther 9:28)

Today is the joyous holiday Purim (Feast of Lots)!

 

It is one of the most fun-filled and action-packed days on the Jewish calendar when people dress in costumes, often based on characters from the Book of Esther

Enjoying festive meals, exchanging mishloach manot (Purim gift baskets) and giving matanot l’evyonim (gifts to the poor) are essential elements of the day.

It is a Biblical tradition to send Purim baskets to family, friends, and  neighbors, as well as give gifts to the poor.

In synagogues all around the world, the entire scroll is publicly read at least twice—once last night and once during the day today. The heroine of the story is Esther, the Jewish girl who became queen of Persia some 2,400 years ago.   

                       

The antagonist of the Biblical narrative, Haman, had plotted the destruction of the Jewish People. He had no idea nor spiritual insight; however, that the king's beloved queen was actually a Jewish woman, for her identity was hidden from him, but not from the Lord.

When Esther's adopted father, Mordecai ,discovers Haman's plot, he encourages Esther to go to the king to plead for the lives of her people, saying:

"If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for all of God's Beloved will arise from another place...  who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"  (Esther 4:14)

Realizing that she may be killed for entering the king's inner chamber without being summoned and entrusting her faith and fate to God, Esther enters anyway after three days of fasting and prayer. So, too, must we fast and pray to hear from God. Consequently, Esther's trust in God courageously intervenes to save her people from certain annihilation.

To paraphrase the words of Mordecai, "YOU were called by the Lord for such a time as this!" Remain Encouraged Always



Be Blessed

K. Mason

(c) 2015
For your convenience, all of the links to Plethora Ministries sites are listed below.
All you are required to do is "click" and be blessed!
Please pass this on family members, friends, co-workers, and other travelers on their journey to spiritual integration and wholeness.
BlessingsPlethora Ministries
Plethora Ministries

Click here for Web log
Page contains additional reflections not sent via mail and pictures
Comments may be entered in any entry of your choice

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/i/itiswell.htm

Click here for "IT IS WELL" Musical Midi
plethoraministries@yahoo.com
Plethora Ministries

Please feel free to write Plethora Ministries with your comments:
plethoraministries@yahoo.com

K.Mason (c) 2015