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| Dear Fellow Congregants, It is that time of year again. Purim is just around the corner and of course I look forward to partaking in the Purim Bazaar prepared by our wonderful Ladies Auxiliary. I would like to write a little message about Purim, which symbolizes the victory of Israel in a time of great distress. Haman, plotted to destroy, kill, and decimate all the Jews, the majority of which were residing in the Persian Empire under the rule of King Ahasuerus. Ahasuerus, although the ruling King, was persuaded by Haman that there was a threat in his empire and that the threat came from the Jewish people. Ahasuerus was easily persuaded to issue an edict to uproot the Jews from the Persian Empire. But Haman’s plot was more than merely uprooting the Jews from the empire. Haman wanted to annihilate and decimate any and all traces of the Jews and Judaism. With all odds against the Jewish people and the future of Judaism the plot of Haman was foiled through the courageous actions of both Mordekhai and Esther. Moredekhai and Esther had a plot of their own and when the time was right they reversed the royal edict. Not only were the Jews spared and the edict reversed, but Haman and his sons were punished and hanged on the very tree that he, Haman intended to hang Mordekhai on. In conclusion, there are many instances in our past where nations have attempted to destroy and “cleanse” the world of both Jews and Judaism. However the G-d of Israel has kept His promise to safeguard and ensure the continuation of His people and so despite these attempts to destroy us we must remain true to who we are as Jews. Like Mordekhai and Esther we must never lose our Jewish identity and in turn the Merciful G-d of Israel will, as the Megila states, provide “Revah ve-Hasala”, “relief and deliverance” for the Jewish people. I wish everyone a Purim Alegre! Hazzan Yogev Nuna |