Rabbi's Blog

Both Purim and Chanukah are Rabbinically ordained celebrations.  They both commemorate miraculous salvations of the Jewish people from their enemies.  Yet we recite Hallel on Chanukah, but not on Purim.

Question

Why do we not recite Hallel on Purim?

Answer

1) Chanukah took place in the Holy Land of Eretz Yisrael.  Purim took place in the Diaspora, in Persia.  Hallel is only recited for salvation associated with Israel.

2) After the miracle of Chanukah, the Jews became independent, free of foreign domination.  But, even after the miracle of Purim, the Jews remained subjects of the Persian empire.  We remained in the Diaspora. 

That is why Purim is so important.  It teaches us of Hashem's protection even if we are in exile, and that we should live as proud observant Jews even in the Diaspora.

Halacha: Purim Reminders

1.  Hear the Megillah reading twice.
2.  Have a Purim meal/seudah on Purim day.  To participate in the shul party and dinner, please register on our website by Monday March 21st.
3.  Shaloch Manot - two ready to eat foods should be given to at least one friend on Purim day.
4.  Special tzedakah should be given to at least two poor people on Purim day.  Rabbi Kornfeld is collecting Purim tzedakah to be distributed on Purim to local poor Jews.
5.  Special Purim additions to prayer:
a)  Al Hanisim in the Amidah and Birchat Hamazon.
b) Special Torah reading on Purim day.
6.  This Shabbat is Shabbat Zachor when we read in the second Torah scroll about the mitzvah of remembering Amalek.  It is a biblical mitzvah to read this so try your best to come to services.

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