Purim 2023

 Dear Friends,


On our calendar cycle we are celebrating Shabbat Zachor, as we remember Amalek from Biblical days and then celebrate Purim later in the week which commemorates the victory over Haman and the survival of the Jewish people.

We are living during challenging times and as we remember the past, I wonder what people will remember about us.

Will we be remembered for acts of kindness?

Will we be remembered as supporting Israel during a time in which the government policies may be threatening democracy?

Will we be remembered as the oppressor rather than the victim in the MIddle East due to current government policies?

Will we be remembered as those who spoke out for human rights?

As we think about the meaning of the Purim story, I hope we will be remembered as those who performed the mitzvah of mishloach manot (giving gifts) and/or as those who performed matanot l'evyonim (giving gifts to the poor).

Finally, I am reminded of one of my  parents' favorite poems, Abou Ben Adhem  (See below)

Shabbat shalom and Chag Purim Sameach, a joyous Purim,

Rabbi Bruce Aft

Abou Ben Adhem

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) 
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, 
And saw, within the moonlight in his room, 
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, 
An angel writing in a book of gold:— 
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, 
And to the presence in the room he said, 
"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head, 
And with a look made of all sweet accord, 
Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord." 
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so," 
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, 
But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then, 
Write me as one that loves his fellow men." 

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night 
It came again with a great wakening light, 
And showed the names whom love of God had blest, 
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest. 

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