To fully appreciate and participate in the festivities of Purim one needs to be familiar with the mitzvot of the day, and understand the deep meaning behind them. The mitzvot of Purim themselves reflect the central themes discussed in the first Morasha shiur on Purim: Purim Unmasked. With these added insights, Purim is revealed not only as a day of joy and sharing, but as one of the spiritual highlights of the entire year, when each Jew can forge a special closeness to God and with the entire Jewish people. In this class we will examine the various mitzvot and customs of Purim, including fasting on Ta’anit Esther (the Fast of Esther) on the day before Purim, and giving charity, wearing costumes, and engaging in festivities on the day itself.
