Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

Sunday, 20 March 2011


Chabad.org
Adar II 14, 5771 · March 20, 2011
Editor's Note:

In case you thought this was organized religion, Purim comes to blow that notion out of the water. Think of it: For Chanukah we get eight days, and we just light some candles and eat donuts. On Purim, we have to hear a Megillah (twice); give out cash to the needy; shuttle packages of edibles to all our friends; fix broken zippers, lost buttons, messy makeup and broken masks on our kids' costumes; and hold a wild and wonderful Purim feast to boot. In how much time? Twenty-four hours flat. Go figure.
Look, we're here to help. But you've got to get started preparing now. Now here's the lineup . . .
Tzvi Freeman,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
This Week's Features Printable Magazine
Holidays
Visit our Purim mega-site for insights, how-to's, recipes and more . . .

Brief printable version
The laws and customs of Purim, along with pre- and post-Purim observances, in a brief printable format.

I don't want to sound like a nerd, but do I have to drink on Purim?

By Tzvi Freeman
Why do we disguise ourselves on Purim? Because on Purim nothing is as it seems . . .

By Yanki Tauber
The original text of the Book of Esther with commentary from the Talmud, Midrash and the chassidic masters.

By Yosef Marcus
Even in the times of Mordechai and Esther, Purim was celebrated on a different day in Shushan than in the other cities.

A fun summary of the Purim story and the four special mitzvot of the holiday.

Watch Watch (5:01)
Video & Audio
How the Jewish people celebrate their immortality by turning tragedy into joy.

By Dov Greenberg
Watch Watch (3:27)
A look at how repentance actually repairs spiritual damage in the cosmos.

By Nomi Freeman
Watch Watch (45:00)
Presented in a style accessible to beginners, this series analyzes the differences in opinion between the schools of Hillel and Shammai by studying the primary text of the Talmud.

By Yehuda Leib Schapiro
Parshah
Aaron was eighty-four years old, a venerable sage and a dedicated leader. Why the cold feet?

By Rochel Holzkenner
As the armor that protects the body of the fish, scales represent the quality of integrity. Fins, the wing-like organs that propel fish forward, represent ambition . . .

By Yosef Y. Jacobson
The death of Aaron's two sons provides an insight into the soul's eternal struggle between transcendence and actualization.

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
By following the procedure of the Red Heifer, the spiritually lifeless person can begin to enjoy a fulfilling life, rich with meaning and purpose.

By Naftali Silberberg
Spirituality
How to go to sleep to be awake
Where will your head be in the morning? Wherever you left it the night before.

By Tzvi Freeman
Throughout the Bible, G-d instructs the people to "call His name." Why don't the Jewish people obey Him instead of beating around the bush?

By Baruch S. Davidson
Jewish Practice
Whether your kitchen is up-to-the minute in fashionable design or a relic of the 1950s, you can readily adapt it to kosher practices.

The Tallit
Who wears a prayer shawl, and when?

Living
The Rebbe sends a scientist to Russia to speak with Jewish professors who are having doubts about their faith.

As told by Velvl Greene
Stories
A voice called out, "The sacrifice of the poor man, who gave up the bundle of greens he was bringing to his impoverished family, was a more desirable sacrifice than your fattened ox . . ."

By Yerachmiel Tilles
The refugees slept in open stations, exposed to the elements, awaiting deportation to Siberia. In such a climate of desperation, Pinchas and Batya Sudak opened their home . . .

By Chana Weisberg
A voice emerged from behind the oven. "Dear Jews," it called out, "are you as careful with what comes out of your mouth as you are with what enters into it?"

As told by Yanki Tauber