This coming week will welcome the Hebrew month of Adar, which we will bless this Shabbat in the synagogue. In the month of Adar is the holiday of Purim, a day that joyously celebrates the downfall of the wicked Haman of Persia who sought to kill all the Jews. On Purim we read the Megillah, a scroll that details the tale and its characters from beginning to end, including King Achashveirosh, his beautiful Queen Esther, and the wise advisor Mordechai.
 
Although all the Jews prayed and pleaded for G-d's mercy when they learned of Haman's evil plans to destroy them all, Mordechai focused on one special group. He gathered 24,000 small children and led them in prayer. It was their cries and pleas that reached the heavens and aroused G-d's compassion to rescue His people.
 
King David writes in Psalms (Ch.8, v.3) "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings You have established strength... in order to put an end to enemy and avenger." Young children have the ability to erase bad decrees and bring salvation for all the Jews through their pure and innocent prayers, and good deeds that come directly from their hearts.
 
We tend to underestimate children, and write off their actions as largely inconsequential. The story of Purim teaches us that G-d loves to see how children keep the mitzvoth and learn His Torah. Let us teach and encourage our children to begin their observance at a young age and to sing their prayers with joy for it just may be the little ones through whom G-d will shed His blessings on all of us.
 
Stay tuned for our Purim events and schedule.

Shabbat Shalom!