Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Today is called Purim Katan - Little Purim. In a leap year, the grand celebration of Purim takes place on the fifteenth of Adar #2. On the fifteenth of Adar #1, we symbolically think of Purim by giving this day a special title and by omitting the supplication prayer called Tachanun.

As many of you know, over the past few weeks, I have been studying full time, enjoying diverse classes and teachers from the New York area. One of my classes, being taught by Rabbi Tali Adler from Yeshivat Hadar, is called, "Holidays in Midrash and Aggadah." We have recently completed two sessions on Purim, and I will be sharing the texts and discussions when I return on Tuesdays, March 1 and March 8 from 1-2PM. Please note the time. These sessions will replace the class on Pirkei Avot which I normally teach on Tuesdays an hour earlier.

Some highlights for you to think about in advance include: Why does one Fast the day prior to Purim?; When did the Fasting take place in the Book of Esther? What might have Esther prayed during her anxiety in the Persian palace? How did the ancient Sages justify adding Purim as a new holiday and adding the Book of Esther to the collection of Tanach? These and other aspects that I have studied recently will serve to prepare us educationally and spiritually for Purim this year.

In the meantime, today, I wish us all Purim Katan Sameach - A joyous little Purim.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison