As the Fast of Esther concludes and the Purim holiday begins, Jews in synagogues and public spaces throughout Israel and around the world are gathering for the traditional Megillah reading. Tonight (Thursday), Ynetnews is streaming the live reading from Bet El International Synagogue on Frishman Street in Tel Aviv. The broadcast is courtesy of Tzohar, which has organized public Megillah readings at more than 600 locations nationwide.
The reading of the Book of Esther is one of Purim’s four main commandments, alongside giving gifts to the poor (matanot la’evyonim), sending food packages (mishloach manot), and the festive holiday meal (seudat Purim). This year’s Purim is being celebrated under the shadow of a tenuous ceasefire and the ongoing captivity of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Security forces remain on high alert, with Ramadan underway and unseasonably warm weather in the forecast.
Following tradition, additional Megillah readings will take place Friday morning in synagogues across the country. This year, even Jerusalemites are observing the reading on the 14th of Adar, Thursday night and Friday morning, since Shushan Purim (normally celebrated on the 15th of Adar in Jerusalem) falls on Shabbat. The rare occurrence is known as a “Triple Purim” (Purim Meshulash), where the holiday’s mitzvot is spread over three days due to halachic restrictions on certain observances during Shabbat. According to accepted custom in Jerusalem, the Megillah is read on Thursday night and Friday morning, gifts to the poor are given on Friday, and the festive meal and food packages are postponed until Sunday.
Hundreds of volunteers are participating in Tzohar’s “Megillah in the Community” program, which includes readings accompanied by explanations about the Megillah and Purim, gift packages for children, and beautifully designed scrolls. Readings are being held in community centers, parks, hospitals, senior living homes, pre-army academies, IDF bases, fire stations, malls, libraries, mental health institutions, and more — reaching cities, towns, and kibbutzim across northern and southern Israel.
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As part of the initiative, readings will also be held at Yad Labanim centers nationwide, allowing bereaved families and the general public to experience the holiday in a communal and meaningful way, while honoring the memory of fallen soldiers. Visitors will receive illustrated megillah scrolls, and holiday gift packages for children and participate in interactive activities.
“This year more than ever, we are reminded of the eternal words of Queen Esther, who was held captive in the king’s palace: ‘Go, gather all the Jews and fast for me,’” said Rabbi David Stav, chairman of Tzohar. “To break the decrees of those who hate our people and our land, there is no better advice than coming together in unity. This is what we will do again this year in Megillah readings throughout the country—with gratitude for the past and prayer for the swift release of our hostages and the defeat of all our enemies.”