Dear Friend,
When I was a kid, the weeks leading up to Purim were among the most exciting times of the year for me, even more than the last weeks of school . . .
Costume shopping and mishloach manot packing led to the holiday itself, when we would dress up and deliver gifts to classmates and family. But I most looked forward to visiting hospitals and nursing homes to share the joyous Purim spirit with the elderly and infirm.
Of course, reveling with family and friends was special, but bringing the joy of Purim to those less fortunate was meaningful in a completely different way.
It remained a part of my Purim experience when I went to study in Israel, where my friends and I spent the holiday driving to army bases to read the megillah and celebrate with the brave men and women of the IDF. And it certainly continues today, as my wife and I lead a community Chabad House; we plan Purim events, as well as home visits to those who would otherwise be without.
And that’s what Purim is really about: caring for others and sharing the eternal spirit of Judaism. In the words of the megillah, “. . . make them days of feasting and joy, and sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.”
So, with just over two weeks to Purim, now is the time to ask: With whom am I sharing Purim this year?
Eliezer Zalmanov,
on behalf of the Chabad.org Editorial Team
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