By Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel CHULA VISTA, California — During the Holocaust years, Purim celebrations were forbidden to the Jews. Christians and Jews could not even own the book of Esther. Such decrees did not stop the Nazis from poking fun at the Jews on this Jewish holiday. With diabolical glee, the Nazis frequently orchestrated [...]
By Rabbi Ben Kamin SAN DIEGO — There are the beloved Five Scrolls in the Hebrew Scripture, including Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, Lamentations and two named for heroic women: Ruth and Esther. Ruth was the consummate loyalist, paradigmatic convert to Judaism—a maternal ancestor to the Davidic line. Christians link her spiritually to Jesus. [...]
By Rabbi Baruch Lederman SAN DIEGO — Purim is referred to as Kabbalas haTorah miahavah – acceptance of the Torah out of love. This is the yesod (foundation) of Purim – returning to Hashem (G-d) and fulfilling His Torah with love. The practices of Purim, such as Shalach Manos (Gifts of Food) and Matanos L’evyonim [...]
By Rabbi Baruch Lederman SAN DIEGO –The following true story, submitted by Yaakov Lederman, is documented in Kids Speak 4: My name is Chaim. I am eleven. I live in Israel. At the beginning of the school year my father met my teacher on the street. At first he tried to cross to the other [...]
CARLSBAD (Press Release)–Temple Etz Rimon’s Friday Night service Feb 26th will feature the 7th graders leading much of the service including reading of the Megillah. Congregants and children are asked to come in costume and be prepared to cheer the hero, and boo the villian. Groggers will be provided. More details available from the congregation [...]
CARDIFF BY THE SEA, California (Press Release)– Temple Solel will host its annual Purim Carnival on Sunday, February 28 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The carnival—which raises funds for religious school and Hebrew students on financial assistance—will showcase a Pony Hop, inflatables, and a 9-Hole Mini Golf Course. With over 15 other exciting activities, games, and cakewalks, [...]
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–A festive Purim Carnival will be held at Congregation Beth Am on Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The Jewish Learning Center is hosting this family event at the synagogue at 5050 Del Mar Heights Road, in Carmel Valley. Come in costume and join in the celebration! Costumes [...]
