Kiddush Hashem Reminders for Purim:
Please help publicize these important messages from the Agudah and Torah Umesorah.
Kiddush Hashem and chillul Hashem sensitivities are fully applicable on Purim:
Let's assure that this year's simchas purim will be a true Kiddush Hashem!
- One cannot become drunk on Purim if doing so will cause one to make a chillul Hashem by alcohol-induced inappropriate behavior.
- Be fully aware of your surroundings - whether you are driving, playing music at night, or drinking. Remember that there are neighbors watching.
- Perhaps place some mishloach manos at your non-Jewish neighbors’ doors with a note. This generous gesture goes a long way to minimize any hard feelings and enhance darchei shalom.
- Know where your children are. Ensure that a Rebbe/adult joins them in their car if they are collecting.
- Participate in the incredible learning programs such as Yeshivas Mordechai Hatzadik.
- Be sensitive in your choice of costumes. Exercise great care to avoid any take off on other cultures, because they may be considered mockery and lead to a reaction of open hostility.
- Remember that all of our actions can easily be publicized in mere seconds to thousands around the world.
Have a freilichin Purim!
Rabbi Shraga Freedman
I admit I bought those costumes without any further consideration than my child's own enjoyment.
Also, I think the Japanese-lady costumes for little girls are adorable.
But I live in Eretz Yisrael.
If I lived in the USA, I probably would avoid those costumes for the reasons stated above. (Sadly, hostile reactions are a very real concern nowadays.)
(Although I suspect that no Brits, including the Queen's Guard themselves, would be offended by the sight of a little Jewish kid prancing around in a polyester imitation. So probably "British soldier" is an okay extra-cultural choice.)
And I think the Yemenite-Jewess costume for little girls are absolutely lovely.
Yet I have personally seen Moroccan Jewish girls dressed in the Yemenite-Jewess costumes.
Hopefully, no Yemenites were offended by non-Yemenite little girls dressing like them. In fact, I'm sure they weren't offended one bit. I hope.
And yes, in all seriousness...WATCH OVER YOUR CHILDREN!!!
B'ezrat Hashem, may we all have a safe & joyous Purim full of light & daat.
Links to Enhance Your Purim Experience
https://bilvavi.net/sugya/purim.droshos
Purim Q&A from Rav Itamar Schwartz:
http://www.bilvavi.net/files/Bilvavi.Purim.QandA.pdf
Rav Avigdor Miller on Purim:
http://www.myrtlerising.com/blog/purim-with-rav-miller-fun-reading
Here is a post on the segulah for the fast of Ta'anit Esther:
www.myrtlerising.com/blog/a-special-segulah-for-the-fast-of-esther
Here are past Purim posts of this blog:
www.myrtlerising.com/blog/category/purim