Purim, or the Feast of Lots, is a joyous holiday that recounts the saving of the Jews from a threatened massacre during the Persian Period.  The story of Purim celebrates the heroine Ester, who becomes Queen of Persia under the leadership of her guardian Mordehai.  Ester saves the Jewish people from the villain Haman, who wishes to destroy the Jews, by revealing to the king, Ahashverosh, that she is Jewish.  There are four mitzvot (commandments) associated with the Holiday of Purim, all of which are mentioned in Megillat Ester 9:22.  The first mitzvah is Mirkra Megillah (the reading of the Megillah).  Megillat Ester is read twice, once during the evening of Purim and again the next day.  In some countries children write the name Haman on their shoes and stamp their feet whenever the name Haman is mentioned in the reading.  The second mitzvah is Seudat Purim (the festive Purim meal).  The third mitzvah is Mishloah Manot (sending gifts to friends).  According to Jewish teachings, the Mishloah Manot should include at least two portions.  The final mitzvah is Matanot l'Evyonim (gifts to the needy). 

On Monday, March 17, as a school community, we will be able to fulfill all four mitzvot!  We will start our celebration with our carnival at 11:00 am, followed by the chanting of Chapter 3 of Megillat Ester by our 4th graders! We will celebrate in costumes at the carnival and snack on oznei haman (hamantashen).  At the end of the day, students will have the opportunity to exchange Mishloah Manot through a lottery in their classrooms and work on individual class mitzvah projects. 

Parent volunteers are still needed to help with set up (8:30-10 am), prize booth (11-12:15 pm), and clean up (12:15-1 pm).  Please sign up in the office if you can help with any or all assignments.

Look out for more Holiday Happenings soon about our Pesah celebrations here at Weizmann!

Hag Purim Sameah!