Subject: Rabbi's Message: Mar. 2006 - Adar 5766: Purim Fun

Purim is the partner holiday to Chanukah. In review, if someone wants to rid the world of Jews there are two ways to do it. Since Judaism is taught, one way to get rid of Jews is to prevent the teaching of Judaism: in other words, spiritual destruction. That is what Antiochus attempts. We commemorate Antiochus's failure at Chanukah.

The other way is the mass murder of Jews. That was the method of Haman: in other words, physical destruction. We commemorate Haman's failure at Purim.

For all the joy of Chanukah, Chanukah is a pretty spiritual holiday. When we get by the distraction of the gifts, our major celebration is lighting candles and quietly contemplating their spiritual meaning.

Purim is celebrated far more in the physical world. We make noise, dress in costumes, laugh, tell jokes and more. As an inveterate punster, I would like to share some of the Hebrew absurdities heard in this synagogue over my career:

From the Kiddish text: Ki hu yom te-chi-lah, le-mik-ra-ei ko-desh,
It is a special day for holy readings (i.e. Torah) What was said: Ki hu yom te-chi-lah, le-Macarena ko-desh,
It is special day for holy dancing!!!
From the Motsi: ha-mo-tsi le'-chem min ha-a'-rets
Who brings bread forth from the earth. What was said: ha-mo-tsi le'-chem mi-lat ha-a'-rets.
Who brings forth bread, the circumcision of the earth!!!
And the English isnt immune either: The text reads, who hallows the seventh day
which came out who hollows the seventh day!!! Purim is a time to celebrate the physical and even the absurd. From Karen and me, best wishes for a happy Purim.

Le-sha-lom,

Joshua L. Segal

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