Netanyahu Arrives in US Capital Sunday - CBN News

Netanyahu Arrives in US Capital Sunday

CBNNews.com

Monday, March 02, 2015

Ad Feedback

JERUSALEM, Israel -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Washington Sunday evening ahead of his speeches at the American Israel Policy Action Committee (AIPAC) and what has become a highly controversial address to Congress on Iran's nuclear program.

Before boarding the plane with his wife, Sara, Netanyahu said he's embarking on an historic mission just days before Jews observe the Fast of Esther, commemorating the three-day fast in ancient Persia, modern-day Iran, when the Jewish queen risked her life to save her people from annihilation (see Esther 4:16).

"A few days before the Fast of Esther, I am leaving for Washington on a fateful, even historic, mission," Netanyahu said. "I feel that I am the emissary of all Israelis, even those who disagree with me, of the entire Jewish people. I am deeply and genuinely concerned for the security of all Israelis, for the fate of the nation, and for the fate of our people and I will do my utmost to ensure our future."

After praying at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City Saturday evening, Netanyahu told the press he believes in the strength of U.S.-Israeli relations and the ability to overcome "differences of opinion," as it has been in the past and the future as well.

"On the eve my trip to the U.S., I came here to the Western Wall. I would like to take this opportunity to say that I respect U.S. President Barack Obama. I believe in the strength of the relationship between Israel and the US and in their strength to overcome differences of opinion, those that have been and those that will yet be."

Netanyahu said he's obligated to speak out on behalf of the Jewish state.

"As prime minister of Israel, it is my obligation to see to the security of Israel," he said. "Therefore, we strongly oppose the agreement being formulated with Iran and the major powers, which could endanger our [Israel's] very existence. In the face of this danger we must unite and also explain the dangers stemming from this agreement, to Israel, to the region and to the world."

Netanyahu is scheduled to address participants at the annual AIPAC policy conference mid-morning Monday and a joint session of Congress Tuesday. CBN News will live stream both addresses on its website.

Some experts speculate Netanyahu may share details about Iran that will force the U.S. president to justify the deal he's working on with the Iranians.

Purim Celebration - The Historical Story of Hadassah/Esther & Mordecai

Purim Celebration - 

The Historical Story 

of Hadassah/Esther 

& Mordecai

The word "Purim" means "lots" and thus refers to the lottery that Haman chose for the date of massacre. Thus Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, which is usually observed in the month of March. The 13th of Adar is the day which Haman chose for the extermination of the Jews, and it is on that day only when that the Jews battled their enemies for their lives. Thus on the 14th, they celebrated joyously for their survival. 

Thus the cities that were walled at the time of Joshua, Purim is observed on the 15th of the month, because the book of Esther says that in Shushan (a walled city), deliverance from the massacre would not be completed until the next day. Thus the 15th day is referred to as Shushan Purim.

However a leap year can witness two months of Adar, thus Purim is observed in the second month of Adar, so it is always one month before Passover. The 14th day of the first Adar in a leap year is thus celebrated as a minor holiday called Purim Katan, which means "little Purim". Though there are no specific observances for Purim Katan; however, a person should celebrate the holiday without mourning or fasting.In fact some other communities also observe the "Purim Katan" on the anniversary when their community was saved from a catastrophe, evil, destruction or oppression.

The Purim holiday is generally preceded by a minor fast, the Fast of Esther, which honors the Esther's three days of fasting which was observedas a preparation for her meeting with the king. Further, custom and tradition that are observed related to Purim is to hear the reading of the book of Esther. The book of Esther is commonly known as the Megillah, which means scroll. Although there are five books of Jewish scripture that are collectively referred to as Megillahs (Esther, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations), this is the one which people usually refer to when they speak of the Megillah.

Moreover it further customary to boo, hiss, stamp feet and rattle the gragers (noisemakers) whenever the name of Haman is mentioned for the whole purpose of this custom is to "blot out the name of Haman".

Other customs which are well associated with the observance of Purim is that of feasting, drinking and that of merry-making. For according to the Talmud, a person should drink until he cannot point out the difference between a "cursed be Haman" and a "blessed be Mordecai", though opinions may vary from person to person.

Again a person certainly should not become so drunk that he may violate other commandments or can get seriously ill. However there is an exemption for those recovering alcoholics or others who may suffer serious harm from alcohol.

In addition to the feasting and merry-making customs, sending out gifts of food or drink have also become a customary affair.Thus the sending of gifts of food and drink is referred to as shalach manos (sending out portions). Moreover amongst the Ashkenazic Jews, a common treat at this time of year is that of the hamantaschen (Haman's pockets). These triangular fruit-filled cookies are the replica of Haman's three-cornered hat.

Making charity can also be referred as a common custom observed during Purim. Other customary affair observed in order to celebrate Purim is to hold carnival-like celebrations.Various plays and parodies are also performed in order to entertain the present audience and many beauty contests are also held. Thus it can be said that sometimes Americans refer to Purim as the Jewish Mardi Gras.

Source: The Holiday Spot

Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/purim/purim_customs_and_observances.htm#1qK9s45hCPu9CXMO.99