I. Spiritual Icebreaker:
Think of a time you have experienced joy. What did it feel like? What made it joyous? Share with a partner or in small groups.
II. Mapping the Jewish Year - Times of Sadness and Times of Joy
Jewish tradition teaches that there are certain times of year which have a certain emotional character. Chart out a simple map of the Jewish year cycle. Which parts of the year have a certain quality to them? Which parts are joyous? Which are sad, etc?
(Mishnah:) Once Av has entered, we decrease in happiness, etc. - Rabbi Judah the son of Rabbi Samuel the son of Shilat said in the name of Rav.
Just like as soon as Av has entered, we decrease in happiness, so too as soon as Adar has entered, we increase in happiness.
Whoever enters Adar -- These were days of miracles for Klal Yisrael, specifically Purim and Pesach.
Questions
1. What is sad about entering Av and happy about entering Adar?
2. What is the connection between Purim and Pesach in the Jewish year cycle?
3. Why are these holidays times of joy?
4. What is significant about entering Adar?
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
Megillah Reading - Book of Esther – The Megillah is read twice on Purim, once at night and once during the day. In order to properly fulfill the mitzvah of Megillah, it is necessary to hear every word during the reading. For this reason it is imperative that people not talk to each other during the Megillah reading.
Mishloach Manot/Shalach Manos - Sending Gifts – Every Jew is obligated to give at least one Mishloach Manot gift containing at least two different types of ready-to-eat food items.
Matanot La'evyonim - Gifts to the Poor – Giving to the poor is a mitzvah all year round. However, the mitzvah to do so on Purim is in addition to the general mitzvah of tzedakah (charity). To properly fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot La'evyonim one must give to two poor individuals. Although one may fulfill this mitzvah by giving a very minimal amount of money to each person, the sages noted that the highest form of fulfilling this mitzvah is by giving enough money for a meal, or the equivalent in food. This mitzvah may be fulfilled by donating beforehand to an organization that will distribute the money or food on Purim day.
Seudah - Festive Meal – One is obligated to partake in a festive meal on Purim day. The bare minimum to fulfill this mitzvah requires that one ritually wash (netillat yadayim), eat bread and then recite the Birkat Hamazon , the Grace after Meals.
Drinking at the Purim Meal – "A person should drink on Purim up to the point where they cannot tell the difference between ‘Blessed is Mordechai' and ‘Cursed is Haman.' (Talmud Megillah 7a and Shulchan Aruch --Code of Jewish Law). On Purim, one is commanded to drink wine to a point of inebriation* – generally, this is interpreted as drinking more than one usually would or enough to make one sleepy.
*While drinking on Purim is a mitzvah, risking one's life is not. Whether host or guest, it is important to be responsible:
1-Do not drink and drive.
2-Beware of underage drinking. While Purim is a religious holiday, and underage alcohol consumption is allowed for religious occasions, adults are still responsible for minors. Please do not give young people any alcohol beyond the bare minimum of wine, if at all. Remember, our children are deeply influenced by our own behavior.
From jewishtreats.org
Questions:
1. When you feel joy, how might you celebrate? How might you share it?
2. How are the 4 mitzvot of Purim connected with joy?
3. What is 1 way you might think about increasing the joy in your life?