אסתר פרק ט:כב
לַעֲשׂוֹת אוֹתָם יְמֵי מִשְׁתֶּה וְשִׂמְחָה וּמִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת אִישׁ לְרֵעֵהוּ וּמַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים:
They [the Jews] were to observe them [Purim] as days of feasting and merrymaking, and as an occasion for sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor. [JPS translation]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. How did the Jews celebrate their rescue from destruction?
2. Why did the Jews send each other gifts? Why did they give presents to the poor?
3. How do we celebrate today? How can we create space to give to the poor in times of celebration?
Time Period: Biblical (early ancestors to 165 BCE)