“When Adar begins, we amplify our joy” (Ta’anit 29a) משנכנס אדר מרבים בשמחה
Shabbat Parashat Zachor – 8th March 2025
Every Jewish adult is obligated to hear the Torah reading of Parashat Zachor, recalling Amalek’s attack on the Jewish people as they left Egypt. This fulfills the mitzvah to remember Amalek and their actions. The ideal way to observe this mitzvah is by listening to the leining with a minyan.
Additional readings of Parashat Zachor will be arranged at Yeshurun after davening, if requested. If someone misses the reading on Shabbat, they can still fulfill the mitzvah by hearing it on Purim morning. In cases of being unable to attend shul, there are opinions that reading Devarim 25:17-19 from a Chumash can still fulfill the mitzvah.
Zecher L’Machatzit HaShekel
During the time of the Beit Hamikdash, each person contributed a half-shekel to fund communal offerings. Today, we commemorate this by donating three half-coins (50p) before Ta’anit Esther. While the halachic requirement begins at age 20, many participate from bar/bat mitzvah age. Some give the value of a traditional half-shekel (£7.68 this year, or three times that amount). You can contribute here or through Charity Extra: https://tinyurl.com/Machatzis-Hashekel
Ta’anit Esther – Thursday, 13th March 2025
Those who are well should fast as usual. If unwell or struggling to fast, please consult Rabbi Czitron Rabbi.Czitron@federation.org.uk.
The fast concludes at 6:42 pm, marking the beginning of Purim.
PURIM
13th March – 14th March 2025: The 4 Ms
Megillat Esther
Men and women must hear the Megillah reading both at night (after 6:42 pm) and during the day (from 6:19 am until 6:03 pm). Check the shul schedule for multiple readings. Ideally, one should hear the Megillah with a minyan to recite the concluding bracha.
For those unable to attend shul, reading from a kosher Megillah at home is an option, making only three brachot before reading aloud, with others responding Amen.
Purim Meal (Friday)
The Purim meal should take place during the day. This year, when Purim falls on Friday, the seudah should ideally begin before midday (12:10 pm) and finish by candle lighting (5:48 pm) to allow room for the Shabbat meal. Alternatively, one can start later, eat a small amount of bread (kebaitza), and finish early enough to prepare for Shabbat.
To combine the Purim and Shabbat meals, some follow the custom of Pores Mapa U’Mekadesh:
- Daven Mincha, complete Shabbat preparations, then begin the Purim seudah. At our communal seudah we will daven Mincha at 4:45pm and start the at 5pm.
- Light candles by 5:48 pm.
- Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv. At Yeshurun we will hold a second Mincha at 5:48pm for those who have been at a private seudah, followed by Kabbalat Shabbat.
- Cover the challah, recite Kiddush, and continue the meal.
- Eat at least an additional kebaitza of challah.
- In Birkat Hamazon, include both Al Hanissim for Purim and R’tzei for Shabbat.
Mishloach Manot
Every adult must give at least two types of ready-to-eat food to another Jewish adult on Purim day. This should be done during daylight hours. Those in mourning give but do not receive Mishloach Manot, though family may receive on their behalf.
Matanot L’Evyonim
It is a mitzvah to give to at least two people in need on Purim day. This can be arranged in advance through online donations. Funds should be distributed on Purim day itself, so contributions should be made by 4:30 pm.
- Charity Extra portal: https://tinyurl.com/Matanos-Levyonim
- Achisomoch: https://donate.achisomoch.org/733
- Through the shul or directly via Rabbi Czitron: Rabbi.Czitron@federation.org.uk
- Or when joining Rabbi Czitron for a L’chayim on Purim day!
Yeshurun Open House
Join the Rabbi Czitron and Haddas for an open house from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Adults can enjoy Mashke, while kids are treated to schnitzel and chips.
May we all experience a Purim filled with אורה, שמחה, ששון and achdut,
