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| Purim is not a festival that we are directly commanded to keep by G-d. There are no special mitzvot that G-d has told us to observe. However, Mordecai's command to keep Purim is included in the Bible. He said that all the Jewish people were to send gifts to each other and remember Queen Esther's bravery. Since then, the Rabbis have specified four mitzvot which they say all Jewish people should keep each Purim. |
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The first mizvah is that we should hear the Megillah read, preferably twice, on Purim. The Megillah is the scroll of Esther, the Hebrew book of Esther. It is traditionally read twice at Purim, once in synagogue and once at home. It is also a tradition to cheer for Queen Esther, Mordecai and King Xerxes and to boo and hiss for Haman. We should all try to hear the Megillah read and remember the story of Queen Esther. |
| The second mitzvah is tzedakah. The Rabbis say that we should give tzedakah, or charity, to at least two people. We can put two coins in the tzedakah box, give money to two poor people, or give money to two of our favourite charities. |
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The third mitzvah is the giving of Mishla'ot Manot. The mitzvah of Mishla'ot Manot is that we should all give a small present of food to at least one person. There is no requirement to give michlaot manot to more than one person, but most people actually give Mishla'ot Manot to all their friends and relations. Sometimes the Rabbi of a synagogue and his family are overwhelmed with Mishla'ot Manot! The Rabbis say that mishlaot manot should include two different types of food ... for instance, some fruit and some cake, or some sweets and some wine. It is also considered preferable to include a home-made treat as part of the Mishla'ot Manot. This can be a very tasty mitzvah to keep! |
| The fourth mitzvah of Purim is that of the festive meal. There are not many traditional Purim foods, so the Purim festive meal can include almost anything kosher. The festive meal should, if possible, be a feast ... very tasty and sumptious! |
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