| Purim and Ukraine appeal
On Purim we celebrate the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s planned genocide of the entire Jewish nation “to slaughter all Jews, young and old, women and children, all in one day” (Megillah). Haman’s masterplan almost succeeded but for the guiding hand of Divine Providence that completely turned tragedy and despair into hope, joy and jubilation.
This year as we celebrate Purim giving thanks to Hashem for saving the Jewish nation, thousands of our brothers and sisters still remain in Ukraine in the crossfire and in some cases are being deliberately targeted by the Russian military. Thousands who have left Ukraine face uncertain futures as refugees and will have to rebuild their lives once again.
At such a time of crises for our brethren we must continue to increase in our Mitzvot and good deeds as well as to intensify our Teffilah and spiritual growth. The Jewish people are ultimately One organism and so every Mitzva we perform effects not only our individual soul but the entire collective Jewish soul, bringing merit and life to our brethren.
But more than anything it is so urgent that we give as much Tzedakah as we can at this time to help Jews in the Ukraine as well as the refugees.
I am sharing this website which I know with authority is bone fide and all the money received goes strength to those in need, https://jewsofukraine.com/
On Purim we have 4 basic Mitvzot 1) twice reading Megillah 2) Purim feast 3) Food portions sent to Friends and 4) Gifts to the poor
We are taught that with a limited budget it is better to increase gifts to the poor and fulfil Mishloach Manot minimally. This is even truer this year when millions of pounds will be required to help alleviate the suffering.
The prophet Isaiah encapsulated the power of Tzedakah in the verse “Zion will be redeemed through mishpat/judgement and those who return to it through tzedaka.” (Isaiah 1:27)
Please the Jews of Ukraine will be able to experience the “great turnaround” that occurred in the days of Purim when the Jews decalred (and we repeat each week at the Havdallah ritual):
“To the Jews there was Light, Joy, Ecstasy/Inspiration and Glory”!
Amen.
Shabbat Shalom |
