Dear Farber HDS parents and friends,
During the month of Adar, we are instructed to increase our happiness, joy and playfulness. This week, we have been enjoying spirit week, with students and faculty dressing up in different ways each day, and the festivities continue next week with Purim.
Adar also ushers in some important mitzvot:
Machazit ha-Shekel - the customary remembrance of the half shekel donated to the Bet Ha-Mikdash
Taanit Esther - the fast of Esther, commemorating Esther’s own fast before she risked her life to save the Jews of Persia
Matanot L’Evyonim - gifts to the poor, distributed on Purim itself (see below.) Rambam tells us that we should spend at least as much on Matanot le-Evyonim as we do on our festive Purim meal.
Mishloach Manot - the giving of two gifts to at least two different people
The reading of Megilat Esther - once at night and once in the morning. This year, we will be hosting a Farber minyan and megilah reading at 9:00 a.m. at the schoool.
The Purim Seudah - the festive meal, often eaten in regular years with friends and family.
As in past years, Farber is teaming up with Od Yosef Chai to provide our community with the opportunity to fulfill the Mitzvah of Matanot L'Evyonim. The Mitzvah is fulfilled by giving each of two people the means by which to have a small meal, ideally for the Purim Seudah. If possible, this Mitzvah should be fulfilled on Purim day or in Jerusalem on Shushan Purim.
Od Yosef Chai is an established organization committed to helping the poor in a manner that does not compromise the recipient's dignity and self-respect. Much thought and effort is given to the achievement of this goal. They arrange the distribution of the money on Purim in Israel and on Shushan Purim in Jerusalem, thereby enabling the contributors to fulfill the Mitzvah of Matanot L'evyonim. You may contribute directly to Od Yosef Chai’s Matanot L’Evyonim campaign HERE.
As a school, we will also be collecting money for Matanot L’Evyonim until Monday morning (Ta’anit Esther) at 10 a.m. Please make all checks payable to "Od Yosef Chai” and give them to Alliyah Morgan or Naomi Gardin.
Wishing you a Purim Sameach!
Dr. Josh Levisohn, Head of School
