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There are 4 main mitzvos (commandments) to be performed on Purim: the reading of the Megilas Esther, in which the Purim story is told; the giving of gifts to the poor; exchanges of food and drink between friends; and the festive meal. At the meal, which is held after Mincha (the afternoon prayer service) on Purim day, it is customary to sing songs in praise of the miracles done by G-d for the Jewish people, to share words of Torah, and to drink wine until one no longer knows the difference between "arur Haman" and "baruch Mordechai" (cursed is Haman, blessed is Mordechai). One of the many explanations given for this rather strange, seemingly un-Jewish custom, is that it is as if we are saying: even if we have so lost our way, so inoxicated with the ways of the secular world that we can no longer distinguish between good and evil, blessing and curse, we can still hope for G-d to save us from our enemies, as He did in the days of Purim. ( Incidentally, one can also fulfill his obligation by drinking a little more than usual. As slumber overtakes him, he will thereby reach a state of not knowing.) |