Dear Friends,
As we rejoice on Purim - a holiday that celebrates rising from an attempt to erase the Jewish people to become stronger and prouder - we are experiencing our own Purim moment.
Our brothers and sisters in Israel are facing rocket barrages from the evil Iranian regime, just like the threats of Haman of ancient Persia. We are seeing incredible miracles, but the danger is real as we've sadly seen casualties, and we need to do all we can to bring security and success.
We can take inspiration from the heroes of the Purim story, Esther & Mordecahi, on how to respond to these threats. When Esther was preparing to approach King Achashverosh to appeal to save the Jews, she told Mordechai: “Go and gather all of the Jews of Shushan. Fast and pray for me.”
Let’s follow in their footsteps and help bring salvation to the Jewish people and the world in this historic moment:
1. Pray:
In our times of need, we turn to G-d with faith and prayer. Please take a few minutes today - and over the next few days - to pray for our brothers and sisters in Israel, the brave soldiers of the IDF and the US military, for the people of Iran, and for world peace. You can find a selection of Psalms here.
Our Sages say that the miracle of Purim canceled the Heavenly decree against the Jews, transforming death into life, physically and spiritually. This came about because Mordechai gathered 22,000 Jewish children specifically under the age of Bar and Bat Mitzvah to pray for G-d’s mercy and the salvation of the Jewish people during that time.
This is no doubt a lesson for our times about the power of prayer, which each and every one of us can do right now and every day, to invoke G-d’s mercy for miracles and wonders, and for the safety and security of Israel.
2. Gather:
Let’s all gather together to celebrate! Join the community to celebrate Purim and feel the power of Jewish unity. Please RSVP today at ChabadNaples.com/Purim to join us at our Purim events for all ages!
We pray that just as the tables were turned then and our Persian enemies were destroyed, so too we will be able to celebrate a complete IDF & US victory and the downfall of our enemies
TODAY! In the words of the Megillah: “And these days (of joy) shall be remembered and re-experienced throughout every generation.”
Wishing safety and peace for Israel and the world and a happy Purim to you and your loved ones,
Rabbi Fishel & Ettie Zaklos