The Jewish Center - The Modern Orthodox Center for Jewish Life and Learning 131 W. 86th Street, New York, NY 10024 • www.jewishcenter.org • 212-724-2700

The Jewish Center S H A B B A T B U L L E T I N

MARCH 18-19, 2016 • PARSHAT VAYIKRA/ZACHOR• 9 ADAR II 5776

WOMEN'S TEHILLIM GROUP • Monday, March 28 at 7:15PM. Contact Joyce Weitz for more information at 212-877-1176.

SAVE THE DATE THE JC ANNUAL DINNER

Tuesday, June 7 at 6:30PM at Guastavinos

PUBLIC LECTURE BY RABBI ARI LAMM

JEWISH CENTER RESIDENT SCHOLAR ADVANCED TALMUD

TORAH FOR WOMEN:

A STATE OF THE UNION

SHABBAT, MARCH 26

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL KIDDUSH CELEBRATING THE

BIRTH OF פרומית ענאל FRUMIT ANNAELLE/ELIZABETH ANNE

Daughter of Cantor Chaim David & Batya Berson ROSH CHODESH NISSAN,

SHABBAT, APRIL 9

Visit our website to join our growing list of sponsors.*

Sponsorship levels begin at $50.

*One Gift Donors are automatically included.

EREV SHABBAT 6:48PM Candle lighting 6:55PM Minchah 8:00PM Pre-Purim Community Dinner (for those who pre-registered)

SHABBAT 7:45AM Hashkama Minyan (The Max and Marion Grill Beit Midrash) 8:30AM Rabbi Israel Silverstein Mishnayot Class with Rabbi Yosie Levine 9:00AM Shacharit (3rd floor) 9:15AM Hashkama Shiur, Matanot L'Evyonim: Beyond Tzedakah (5th floor) 9:30AM Young Leadership Minyan (The Max Stern Auditorium) 10:00AM Youth Groups, Under age 3 (drop off optional), 3-4-year-olds and 5-6-year-olds: Geller Youth Center; 2nd-3rd graders, 4th-6th graders: 7th floor 10:02AM Sof Zman Kriat Shema 10:15AM Reading of Zachor Community Hot Kiddush (5th floor)

WITH THANKS TO OUR KIDDUSH SPONSORS: Hashkama Kiddush, Joyce & Aaron Weitz in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Joyce's father, Jack M. Cohen, Yaakov Moshe Ben Shmuel Chanan HaCohen Hashkama Kiddush, Leyla Fortgang & Donny Posner Community Kiddush, Seena Altabe in honor of the forthcoming wedding of Mark Altabe and Rebecca Zalkin Community Kiddush, Ruth & Larry Kobrin in memory of the yahrzeit of Ruth's mother, Aurelia Freedman, Fradel bas Yekutiel Zalman and Larry's grandfather, Bernard Kobrin, Dov Ber ben Rephael Community Kiddush, Jessica & Harvey Spira in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Harvey's mother, Ruth Spira

3:45PM Bikkur Cholim/Bikkur in the Home (meet at 730 Columbus Ave.) 4:55PM 39 Melachot with Rabbi Dovid Zirkind 4:55PM Israel Friedman Daf Yomi 4:55PM Parent-Child Learning with Rabbi Daniel Fridman, Megillat Esther

WITH THANKS TO OUR SEUDAH SHLISHIT SPONSOR: Veronica & Erwin Muth in memory of Veronica's mother, Elizabeth Ungar 5:55PM Minchah, Shabbat afternoon groups Seudah Shlishit Speaker: Rabbi Daniel Fridman, The Mitzvot of Purim as a Response to Amalek 7:49PM Shabbat concludes

DAILY SERVICES

Sun., March 20 Daf Yomi 7:45AM Shacharit 8:30AM Minchah 6:55PM

Mon., March 21 - Tue., March 22 Shacharit 7/8AM Daf Yomi 7:45AM Minchah 6:55PM

Fri., March 25 Daf Yomi 7:45AM Shacharit 7/8AM Candle lighting 6:55PM Minchah 7:00PM

Wed., March 23, Ta’anit Esther, Erev Purim Fast Begins 5:31AM Shacharit 6:45 & 7:45AM Daf Yomi 7:45AM Minchah 6:45PM Marriv followed by Megillah and family Megillah reading 7:30PM Fast Ends 7:41PM Late Megillah 9:30PM

Thurs., March 24 Purim Shacharit 6:30/7:30AM Late Megillah Reading 10:00AM Minchah 7:00PM

REBOOT

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE AT THE JC

FRIDAY, MARCH 25 - MONDAY, APRIL 4 Join Today

It’s Where you Belong

To apply for membership, visit our website or pick up a form in

the lobby.

Questions? Email our Membership Committee

co-chairs Naomi Goldman and Ron Shapiro at

membership@jewishcenter.org.

To sponsor Kiddush or Seudah Shlishit or a JC event, please contact Aaron at astrum@jewishcenter.org

DAILY (except Shabbat) Israel Friedman Daf Yomi with rotating JCU Faculty, 7:45AM

MONDAY To Share Our Joy With Others: A Halachic Analysis of the Mitzvot of Purim with Rabbi Dovid Zirkind, 8:00PM

TUESDAY Ultimate Values and Ultimate Sacrifice: Kiddush Hashem and Martyrdom with Rabbi Noach Goldstein, William Fischman Rabbinic Intern, 7:45-8:30AM

Nosh and Drash with Dr. Adena Berkowitz, 10:15AM

A History of Purim - Two Thousand Years of Texts and Artifacts with Rabbi Ari Lamm, 7:15PM

David, King of Israel: Sadye and Henry Bayer Chumash Class will resume next semester

WEDNESDAY Women of the Bible: Special class on Megillat Esther with Rabbi Yosie Levine, 11:00AM

Hidden Side of Esther will resume next week

Rambam Hilkhot Megillah will resume next week

The Next Level with Rabbi Mark Wildes, 8:00PM

SHABBAT Rabbi Israel Silverstein Mishnayot Class with Rabbi Yosie Levine, 8:30AM

Hashkama Shiur with rotating JCU Faculty, 9:15AM

Israel Friedman Daf Yomi with ro-tating JCU Faculty

39 Melachot with Rabbi Dovid Zirkind

Parent-Child Learning with rotating JCU Faculty; check the schedule for times

JEWISH CENTER UNIVERSITY WINTER SEMESTER

JC DELEGATION TO THE AIPAC POLICY CONFERNECE SUNDAY, MARCH 20- TUESDAY, MARCH 22

If you purchased a ticket and would like to be added to this list, please email eliane@jewishcenter.org.

Arthur Ainsberg Moshe Bellows Dahlia Bellows Dava Berkman Morris Bildirici Harriet Blank George Blank Jonathan Blank Tehillah Blech Harris Steven Bram Jacob Buksbaum Lisa Buksbaum Susan Canter Michelle Chrein Leslie Cohen David Cohen

Skylar Cozen Arthur Degen Susan Degen Allen Fagin Dora Federbush Manny Federbush Martin Geller Lauren Geller Ruby Gelman Talia Gerber Hanna Gerber Estee Gerber Jake Gerber Tracy Gerber Sander Gerber Michael Gevaryahu

David Hait Rebecca Hanus Tehillah Blech Harris Rabbi Avi Heller Steven Hirsch Phyllis Jonas Isaac Jonas Ira Kalfus Sarah Jonas Eitan Kimelman Jonah Kupietzky Fran Kupietzky Daniel Laifer Hannah Lander Jeffrey Lang Noah Lang

Jared Lang Eric Lavitsky Aaron Lavitsky Jill Lavitsky Rabbi Yosie Levine Darrin Litsky Marleen Litt Susan Lobel Daniel Low Daniel Mael David Meyer Rachel Meyer Joel Mowbray Daniel Posner Leyla Posner Rachel Ringler

Pinny Rosenthal Andrew Schonzeit Josh Schwartz Beth Schwartz Steve Schwell Menashe Shapiro Shimon Shkury Dana Siegal Yossi Siegel Zachary Streit Adina Wagman Philip Wagman Rabbi Mark Wildes Don Winter Bernard Zweig

At 10:00AM (really 9:00AM since we changed the clocks), an ungodly hour for most teenagers, 22 young adults ages 12-20s sat on in the Max and Marion Grill Beit Midrash of The Jewish Center and were animated and en-gaged learners. I watched in amazement as everyone quickly participated, offering up challenges and ideas. I ended up with seven pages of notes (on the giant note pad!). We started by discussing the challenges the teens and youth leaders faced and offered some solutions. Following that, the group did an exercise learning how to deal with the kind of people, behaviors or personality traits that challenge them most. The program concluded with les-sons about communication and tips about how to have a good and productive conversation. The two hours passed quickly and the room was abuzz with discussion. I learned so much from both Erica and our teen members. I am ex-cited to say our emerging teen leaders are well-trained and truly proud that we have such amaz-ing young adults as active members in our con-gregation.

TRAINING SESSION FOR TEEN YOUTH GROUP LEADERS TAUGHT BY ERICA BROWN BY DEENA BLANCHARD

To advertise or list an announcement in The Jewish Center Bulletin, please contact us at eliane@jewishcenter.org

YOUNG LEADERSHIP PURIM SHPIEL SATURDAY NIGHT, MARCH 26 AT 9:00PM Join us for a great night of entertainment! Eli Lebowicz and Rebecca Weiser will perform stand-up comedy, Joseph Helmreich will do a ventriloquist act, The Rich Mansour Band will perform live, and Rafi Abramowitz, Eli Lebowicz, and Greg Starr will screen a Purim shpiel film that they wrote and produced. Drinks and re-freshments will be served throughout the night. The cost in advance is $10 for mem-bers and $15 for non-members. The cost at the door is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Please visit our website to register.

TOUR OF THE JEWISH MUSEUM: ISAAC MIZRAHI - AN UNRULY HISTORY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 AT 11:15AM at The Jewish Museum (5th Avenue at 92nd St.) The Advanced Leadership committee invites The Jewish Center community to a pri-vate tour of this exhibit which focuses on Isaac Mizrahi, an influential American fash-ion designer, artist, and entrepreneur. The exhibition explores his unique position at the intersection of high style and popular culture. Following the tour, all are wel-come to buy lunch at Russ and Daughters. The tour costs $15 per person. Please visit our website to register and for information about the transportation options.

YOUNG LEADERSHIP: DOROT PASSOVER PACKAGE DELIVERY SUNDAY, APRIL 10 FROM 10:00AM-12:00PM AT DOROT (171 WEST 85TH STREET) Come share the joy and warmth of Passover with an elder in a meaningful way by delivering a package of traditional holiday foods and visiting for about an hour. The program will begin with a Young Professionals brunch, followed by an orientation and home visits. To join, please email yl@jewishcenter.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MISHLOACH MANOT CHESED OPPORTUNITY SUNDAY, MARCH 20 FROM 9:30AM-11:30AM See insert for details.

COMMUNITY PURIM CARNIVAL SUNDAY, MARCH 20 FROM 1:00PM - 4:00PM AT LINCOLN SQUARE SYNAGOGUE (180 AMSTERDAM AVE) The JC, in conjunction with Lincoln Square Synagogue and West Side Institutional Synagogue, invite you to a fun-filled carnival with bounce castles, ball pits, face painting, balloon twister, a petting zone, kiddie zone for toddlers and more!

FAMILY MEGILLAH READING AND ICE CREAM PARTY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 AT 7:30PM The kids will have the opportunity after

the reading to redeem their tickets from Shabbat morning groups for great prizes. We are also having a photo booth for some family fun with ice cream, popcorn and cotton candy. Babysitting will be available. With thanks to our growing list of sponsors: Heidi & Jeff Abraham, Deena Blanchard & Akiva Novetsky, Bosi & Yaron Kinar, Stacey & Edmond Levy, Jordana & Avi Moche, Sabrina & Guy Salomon

YOUTH SHABBAT SHABBAT, APRIL 2 Please reach out to Jenn and Gaby if you or your child would like to be in-volved.

YOUTH DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS & UPDATES For more information contact jennandgaby@jewishcenter.org.

MAZAL TOV Lauren Glassman on her forthcoming marriage to Jesse Shore

THANK YOU TO OUR USHERS Thank you to our ushers Emilio Krausz, Limor Gutkind, Robert Grauman, and Brauna Fortgang.

THANK YOU TO CSS We would like to once again thank CSS and our dedicated CSS members for providing the security for our synagogue this week.

EARLY MINCHAH WILL RESUME IN THE FALL

WITH THANKS TO OUR PRE-PURIM COMMUNITY DINNER SPONSOR: Menachem Fruchter in honor of Moshe Fruchter

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

MAY AND SAMUEL RUDIN LECTURE FEATURING ERICA BROWN IN CONVERSATION WITH DAVID GREGORY

After over 13 years of service to The Jewish Center, Morah Judy has made the decision to retire. As a com-munity we are deeply grateful for the love and commitment she provided generations of children and wish her much happiness in this next chapter of her life. The weekend of April 16th will be her last Shabbat working at The JC. We in-vite you to stop by, wish her luck and thank her for her work. We will be honoring her dedication to our syna-gogue at a future date and will update you with the details in the coming weeks.

THANK YOU TO MORAH JUDY

Yosie Levine Rabbi

Dovid Zirkind Assistant Rabbi

Chaim David Berson Cantor

Daniel Fridman Resident Scholar

Ari Lamm Resident Scholar

Erica Brown Community Scholar

Noach Goldstein William Fischman Rabbinic Intern

Aaron Strum Executive Director

Eliane Dreyfuss Glassman Director of Programming

and Communications

Jenn & Gaby Minsky Youth Directors

OFFICERS Avi Schwartz President

Andrew Borodach First Vice President

Andrew Kaplan Vice President

Mark Segall Vice President

Rose Lynn Sherr Vice President

Michael Jacobs Assistant

Vice President

Yaron Kinar Treasurer

Len Berman Assistant Treasurer

Miri Lipsky Secretary

Interim Yoetzet Halacha Julia Baruch (while Ilana Gadish is on maternity

leave) jb.yoetzet@gmail.com

(929) 274-0628

Jewish Center Chevra Kadisha

212-724-2700 x555

UWS Mikvah 212-579-2011

Hatzalah 212-230-1000

Eruv Status 212-724-2700 x4

Clergy & Staff

Phone Numbers

Salvation: Two Models Rabbi Ari Lamm, Resident Scholar

For as long as there have been blessings, there have been rabbis who have asked questions about the phrasing adopted in those blessings. A peren-nial favorite among Talmudic commentators has been probing the difference between the preposi-tional construction (“…who has commanded us concerning X”) and the infinitive construction (“…who has commanded us to do X”).1 Many authori-ties have sought to explain, for example, the r e a s o n w h y w e r e c i t e “a l m ik ra megilah” (concerning the reading of the Megilah) but “lishmo’a kol shofar” (to blow the Shofar). In the fourteenth century, however, the great liturgical commentator, R. David Abudarham, called attention to another difference between these two blessings. Although both consist of an auditory experience – we hear the Megilah read, and the Shofar blown – we acknowledge this auditory element only in the blessing over the Sho-far. In the blessing that we recite before reciting the Megilah, by contrast, we reference only the oral component of the mitzvah. That is, we hear the Shofar, but we read the Megilah. Abudarham concludes that one must fulfill the mitzvah of Shofar by hearing it blown, whereas one heeds the mitzvah of Megilah by reading it, rather than by hearing it read by someone else. Indeed, when we gather in our synagogues for Megilah-reading, we come not to listen to someone else’s recitation, but rather to read the Megilah ourselves via proxy, through the halakhic mechanism of shomei’a ke-‘oneh (one who hears is as one who recites). Abudarham’s explanation finds confirma-tion in the respective halakhic contexts in

which Shofar and Megilah are situated. We blow the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah – a day upon which God sits in judgment of humanity. On that somber occasion, we mortals pass before the almighty Judge like the proverbial flock before the shepherd’s staff. If we survive God’s justice, it will be as passive recipients of His largesse. Thus, the day’s central commandment requires passive fulfillment; we are enjoined to sit back and let the Shofar’s voice wash over us. The Purim story features the opposite dynamic. As is well known, God’s Name does not even appear in the Book of Esther. Although only the most spirit-ually tone-deaf could fail to perceive divinity lurking behind the events of Purim, human partici-pation in its own salvation is given pride of place. Unlike Rosh Hashanah, which minimizes human agency, Purim full-throatedly affirms it. In truth, these represent two salvific paradigms: Rosh Hashanah and Purim; passive and active. In times as turbulent as our own, it is often difficult to decide which is appropriate. Perhaps, in the end, the best we can do is to act always as if God requires a Purim-esque effort on our part, while simultaneously praying that the Rock of our Redemption will intervene – in Rosh Hashanic fash-ion – on our behalf.

—— 1 See e.g. Rosh, Pesachim 1.10, s.v. mai mevarekh.

Youth Department’s Dube Zone Sports Night

Sunday, March 20 from 9:30AM - 11:30AM MISHLOACH MANOT CHESED OPPORTUNITY Every Purim, families of The JC deliver mishloach manot to senior home-bound members of our community. All children ages pre-K through 8th grade are invited to join this special mitzvah of preparing the packages at The JC. Email Jenn & Gaby to register.

Sunday, March 20 from 1:00PM - 4:00PM at Lincoln Square Synagogue (180 Amsterdam Ave) COMMUNITY PURIM CARNIVAL See page 3 for details.

Monday, March 21 at 8:00PM TO SHARE OUR JOY WITH OTHERS: A HALACHIC ANALYSIS OF THE MITZVOT OF PURIM WITH RABBI DOVID ZIRKIND

Tuesday, March 22 at 7:15PM A HISTORY OF PURIM - TWO THOUSAND YEARS OF TEXTS AND ARTIFACTS WITH RABBI ARI LAMM

Wednesday, March 23 following Megillah reading PURIM BREAK-FAST Join us to break the fast after Ta’anit Esther. Sponsorship opportunities available. Please contact Aaron Strum at astrum@jewishcenter.org to sponsor or for more infor-mation. Thank you to our growing list of sponsors: Judith & Allen Fagin in commemoration of the yahrzeit of Allen's father, Carl Fagin and Deena Blanchard & Akiva Novetsky.

Wednesday, March 23 COMMUNITY MEGILLAH READING AND FAMILY ME-GILLAH READING/ICE CREAM PARTY See page 3 for more information about Family Megillah reading.

Thursday, March 24 at 4:00PM at MJE READING OF MEGILLAT ESTHER BY AND FOR WOMEN Kol HaNeshamah & Manhattan Jewish Experience invite all women to participate. If you would like to layn, please contact bethschwartz18@gmail.com. Lessons are available. Please indicate your interest as soon as possi-ble.

PURIM PROGRAMS

WED., MARCH 23, TA’ANIT ESTHER, EREV PURIM Fast Begins 5:31AM Shacharit 6:45 & 7:45AM Minchah 6:45PM Maariv followed by Megillah reading, Family Megillah reading 7:30PM Fast ends 7:41PM Late Megillah reading 9:30PM

THURS., MARCH 24, PURIM Shacharit 6:30/7:30AM Late Megillah Reading 10:00AM Minchah 7:00PM

PURIM SCHEDULE

PREPARING FOR PURIM

MATANOT L’EVYONIM Please remember to send Matanot L'evyonim, gifts to the poor, before Purim. The amount given should be suffi-cient to assist at least two different people with their Purim meal. Checks made out to the Rabbi Leo Jung Me-morial Fund earmarked "Matanot L'evyonim" that are received before Purim (March 23) will be distributed to the poor on Purim day to fulfill your obligation.

MEGILLAH READING We would like to provide everyone with the opportunity to hear the Megillah on Purim. If someone you know will not be able to leave home on Purim, or if you would like to volunteer to read Megillah for the homebound, please contact Rabbi Zirkind at dzirkind@jewishcenter.org or 212-724-2700.

MISHLOACH MANOT TO IDF SOLDIERS Send baskets filled with Israeli products and bakery goods to IDF soldiers in Israel. Packages will bear a card noting your name with a Purim greeting. Please place your order by Monday, March 14. The cost is $10 per package, $300 for a unit and $500 for a platoon. Make your check payable to The Jewish Center and earmark it "Mishloach Manot to IDF" or donate online at www.jewishcenter.org and write in the notes field "Mishloach Manot to IDF".

ONEG SHABBAT Make the holiday a festive time for the needy or homebound in our community. Help provide mishloach manot packages in addition to their regular Shabbat meals. Colorful Purim cards are also available. For more information and to donate, visit www.onegshabbatny.org.

Laws and Customs of the Purim Season A Brief Overview

By Rabbi Dovid Zirkind The following is an overview of the practices, customs and halachot unique to the Purim sea-

son. I look forward to sharing a joyous and festive Purim with all of you!

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Parshat Zachor- On the Shabbat before Purim, there is a biblical obligation for everyone to hear the special maftir that gives the Shabbat its name, that of Parshat Zachor (Devarim 25:17-19). It describes both the commandment to remember the evil the Amalekite nation perpetrat-ed against the Jews on their way out of Egypt, and to obliterate their name in future genera-tions. In order to fulfill the obligation, one must hear every single word read in public, so make certain to arrive at shul in time! Parshat Zachor will be read at about 10:15 A.M., and there will be a reading immediately following davening as well. Taanit Esther- Taanit Esther is the fast that commemorates the three day fast observed by the Jews in the Book of Esther. Rabbinic tradition indicates that this fast took place on the first three days of Pesach, but since fasting on Pesach is virtually never permitted, the fast was linked to Purim instead. This year, Taanit Esther is observed on Wednesday, March 23rd. The fast begins at 5:31 AM and ends at 7:41PM. When Taanit Esther immediately precedes Purim, as it does this year, we do not eat before Megillah. One may not begin eating until the conclu-sion of Megillah reading. Machatzit HaShekel- Machatzit HaShekel refers to the biblically ordained annual giving of a silver half shekel by Jews. This money was collected during the month of Adar and used for up-keep in the Temple, specifically for communal sacrifices. It was collected from all people, but was obligatory on all males above 20 years of age. Today, this mitzvah is commemorated on the afternoon of Taanit Esther, at or before Minchah, or at the latest, on Purim morning. The Mitzvah is performed by contributing at least $1.50 in exchange for three silver coins in the basket, though many people give more than that amount. The three silver coins are then lifted to acquire ownership, and then contributed by placing them back in the basket. In this manner, everyone can perform the mitzvah with the same coins. Matanot L’Evyonim- The most important mitzvah of Purim, giving gifts to the poor is the way the Jews celebrated their victory over Haman. Note that this obligation is independent of the Machatzit haShekel, and it must be performed on Purim day itself. The amount given should be sufficient to assist at least two different poor people with their Purim meal. Checks made out to the Rabbi Leo Jung Memorial Fund earmarked "Matanot L'evyonim" that are re-ceived before or on Purim itself will be distributed to the poor on Purim day. Reading the Megillah- It is incumbent on every man and woman to hear the Book of Esther read in the evening and the morning. Please check the Purim schedule for times of minyanim and Megillah readings. One must hear every word of the Megillah both times, so if a word is missed, one should quickly read it quietly to oneself, even if following along in a Chumash or printed Megillah, and then catch up to where the Megillah is being read.

Al Hanissim- A special Purim text for Al Hanissim is included in all prayers, as well as Birkat Hamazon. If it is forgotten, one is not required to repeat the prayer in question. Torah Reading- On Purim morning, we read of the attack on the Jewish people by the Ama-lekites, and how Moshe led the Jewish people to victory (Exodus 17:8-16). Mishloach Manot- One must send a minimum of two different prepared/cooked foods, in generous portions, to at least one other Jewish person. If one’s funds are limited, it is better to fulfill the minimum requirement for Mishloach Manot and donate more to Matanot Le’Evyonim. Purim Seudah- It is a requirement to have a festive meal for Purim. One should eat bread, and the meal should ideally contain meat products. The Purim Seudah can take place at any point on the day of Purim, but ideally following Mincha in the afternoon. The majority of the Purim Seudah should be had prior to night fall (this year 7:12PM). Even if the meal extends in-to the night, Al HaNissim is still recited. Drinking on Purim- Because wine played an important role in the miracle of Purim, it plays a role in our celebration of it as well. To fulfill this requirement, one should drink slightly more wine at the Purim Seudah than one normally does at a meal, and then, if possible, take a short nap. In our observance of Purim, we must consider the unfortunate reality that alcohol abuse has become a serious problem in the contemporary Orthodox community, and conduct our-selves accordingly. Moreover, drinking other hard beverages does not fulfill the requirement to drink wine. Indeed, the Chafetz Chaim writes (Biur Halacha, OC 695:2): “We are not com-manded to reduce ourselves to levels of drunkenness, but rather to rejoice in a manner that will lead us to the love of God.” In our community, which is blessed with so many wonderful chil-dren, safety and responsibility must be given extra and paramount concern. As a matter of To-rah and secular law, alcohol must not be given to minors, and adults should take special care on Purim to consume alcohol minimally and responsibly. Torah Study and Prayer- Purim is a day of joy that is celebrated through merrymaking and laughter. However, in some significant ways, Purim is no joke. The Talmud tells us that the Jewish people re-accepted the Torah on Purim, and therefore, even with all the other mitzvot one must perform on Purim, it is a most auspicious and effective day for Torah study. Moreo-ver, many classic sources tell us that Purim represents a special opportunity for one’s prayers to be answered.

PURIM SAMEACH TO ONE AND ALL!