Purim, Fasting & Military Victories

[alon]

Tomorrow (Thur, 9 Mar 2017/11 Adar 5777) is the Fast of Esther; a preliminary to the feast of Purim. Since these events happened later, they are not commanded in . However I think we miss out on a lot of instruction when we ignore these. ere is a short excerpt from an article by Rabbi Nachman Kahana entitled "Purim, Fasting & Military Victories." It is food for thought in these days when war for any reason is under violent attack (ironic, no?) from elements of our society.


This Thursday the 11th of Adar, Taanit Ester – the Fast of Esther, we will commemorate the fast which was in effect on the day the Jews went to war (the soldiers didn’t fast), as was the custom of our nation.

The military victory is the essential, although underplayed, miracle of Purim. The Megillah records that on the 13th of Adar in the outlying areas, and on the 13th and 14th in Shushan, the capital, the Jews killed 75,800 of the enemy while losing none of our own.


The modern military miracles of Israel's survival are no less the Hand of the Almighty. I would suggest that whether or not you fast tomorrow, we all should make it a part of our prayers for the lives and safety of those in Israel and the US who have answered the call to a higher purpose- the militaries and emergency responders who put lives and health at risk for others. Also for those who claim the name of Yeshua and face persecution for it. And there are many, even in Muslim countries who are coming to Messianic Judaism.

Just my thoughts added to the Rabbis.

Dan C

[alon]

The book of Esther is remarkable in hat it never mentions the Almighty. His hand is evident in the events. But why is He not mentioned? 

To me, this book focuses on two Godly Jews who, because of their faith and trust in El Gibor, The Mighty God (Gen 49:24) they saved the nation of Yisroel. Esther shows what we can accomplish when we are obedient to our calling. Where normally, as it should be, El Chai,  the Living God (Deu 5:26) is explicitly given credit, in Esther the light is on Mordechai and his cousin, Hadassah (Esther). This book is a shining example and an encouragement to us as individual believers.

So over the next two days as you read the book of Esther, try to keep this in mind. When the Hamans of this world attack and try to destroy us, we should trust in Go and step out boldly after much prayer, fasting, and reading of applicable Bible texts.

Dan C

[alon]

And for more on Purim and Esther, here is an email I just received from the parent Synagogue of the forum:

This is another reminder that TOMORROW @ 6:00pm at Synagogue Chavurat HaMashiach we will have our annual Purim Simchah! You can look forward to tasty festive food, a lively reading of Megillat Ester (The Scroll Of Ester), music and dancing, a judaica drawing with many wonderful gifts, and joyful fellowship!

The reading of the Megillat Ester and the observance of Purim (pronounced “poo-reem”) each year is a reminder of Adonai’s grace and mercy upon His people Yisra’el, a testament to His power and faithfulness, and a reminder that even when it seems that He is absent in our lives...He is actually hard at work behind the scenes. “Purim” means “Lots”, and commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire from those who wished to destroy them. Haman and those with him cast “lots” (pur) to decide which day would be the best time to attack the Jewish people, a day that turns out to mark their own destruction.

The story of Purim has many modern day parallels that we can all learn from. It is a witness to the fact that if we just trust in the God of Yisra’el, humble ourselves, and call out to Him in our time of need...He will fight against our enemies. He can dispel the darkness and gloom in our life, and as it says in Ester 8:16, “For the Jews, all was light, gladness, joy and honor”...So too may it be for us!!

Don’t miss our celebration of Purim TOMORROW @ 6:00pm. Feel free to invite your friends and family. If you would like, please bring some hamantaschen or other kosher sweets to share with all. Let us come together to remember the mighty acts of our awesome God. We hope to see you all there!

Chag Purim sameach!

Rabbi Reuel Dillon

[alon]

Just a reminder, Purim starts at sundown on Monday the 9th of March. Have fun!

Dan C