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עמוד:35
In Preparation for Purim A Message from the Rabbi Dear Friends , You are undoubtedly preparing for the upcoming holiday of Purim . God willing , this year too we will gather together to fulfill the commandment of hearing the Megillah ( the Book of Esther ) in a joyous celebration . Megillat Esther reveals a hidden secret , the secret of the survival of the Jewish people among the nations . As stated in the Megillah : “ Esther does not reveal her origins and her people in accordance with Mordechai ’ s instructions . ” This is surprising . Why doesn ’ t Esther reveal her origins ? Is Esther ashamed of being Jewish ? God forbid ! Esther knew that those in the palace who hated the Jews ( headed by the wicked Haman ) were likely to threaten her life and jeopardize her chances of saving the Jewish people . This is why she does not reveal her Jewish identity . And so dear friends , our rabbi , the Chief Rabbi of France , Rabbi Joseph Sitruk , has ruled that we should not go out in public in Paris dressed in clothing that allows anti-Semites to distinguish us as Jews . We should wear a kipa ( yarmulke ) under a hat so that it cannot be seen . This is how Esther very wisely conducted herself ! Our Rabbis even teach that in the palace , Esther discreetly abstained from eating non-kosher food and from working on Shabbat . We too should behave accordingly – we should maintain our beautiful Jewish heritage , without jeopardizing our lives or those of our loved ones . Thus , may the holiday of Purim bring us light , happiness , and joy . Amen !
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