Purim, one of the most joyful and unique holidays in Judaism, is fast approaching. Preparing properly in accordance with Jewish law allows us to make the most of the celebration and fulfill its mitzvot in the best way possible. Here's a short guide addressing common questions:

In most years, Yerushalayim celebrates Shushan Purim on the day after the rest of the country. But this year, since Shushan Purim falls on Shabbat, Yerushalayim will experience a "Purim Meshulash," with the holiday unfolding over the course of three days. On Thursday night and Friday morning, the Megillah is read and matanot l'evyonim (gifts to the poor) are distributed, along with the rest of the country. On Shabbat, a special Torah portion for Purim will be read, in addition to the regular parsha. Then, on Sunday, people will exchange Mishloach Manot and have their Purim meal.

1. Megillah Reading

One of the central mitzvot of Purim is reading Megillat Esther. It is read both in the evening and in the morning (this year, the evening of March 13 and the morning of March 14).

2. Mishloach Manot

The mitzvah of Mishloach Manot requires sending at least two food items to at least one person. The food must be kosher and ready to eat, and the purpose is to foster connection and unity. This is a great chance to reach out not just to friends but also to those who may feel lonely, such as bereaved families or people who are often overlooked.

3. Matanot La'Evyonim

It is a mitzvah to give charity to those in need on Purim. The minimum requirement is to give two gifts to two different needy individuals, with each gift worth at least the price of a meal. However, it is encouraged to give more if possible, to help ensure that even the poor can celebrate Purim properly.

4. The Purim Meal

The Purim meal is an essential part of the holiday and takes place during the day, after the Megillah has been read. One should make sure the meal is festive and happy, accompanied by strong drinks. According to the halacha, there is no requirement to have wine specifically, but there is a general obligation to experience deep joy on this day.

This year, since Purim falls out on a Friday, it is best to start the meal before midday or at least finish it early so that one can enter Shabbat with an appetite.

However, there are those who follow the approach mentioned in the Gemara, known as "pores mapah u'mekadesh." This means beginning the Purim meal about half an hour before Shabbat starts, with everything already prepared for Shabbat. When Shabbat begins, one lights the Shabbat candles, says Kabbalat Shabbat, and then makes Kiddush (without the blessing on wine if it was already said earlier). Then everyone eats challah (without an additional blessing) and continues the meal into Shabbat. After the meal, one prays the Maariv for Shabbat.

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This year, we celebrate Purim in the shadow of war, with 59 of our brothers and sisters still held hostage in Gaza, and the constant threats that surround us. Purim reminds us, just like we read in the story in the Megillah, that our ability to withstand external enemies starts with internal unity.

Haman, who sought to destroy the Jewish people, made this observation himself: "There is a certain people, scattered and divided." From the enemy's perspective, all Jews are the same. He wants to destroy us all, regardless of our differences in opinions or beliefs. Yet he also recognizes our internal divisions and sees them as a weakness to exploit. The mitzvot of Purim – Mishloach Manot and Matanot La'Evyonim – are designed to strengthen a sense of unity among all the different parts of our people. For it is only when we are truly united that we can overcome our adversaries and we can have true joy.

Purim Sameach!

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For many years, the name Jonathan Pollard was a household name for every girl and boy in Israel. Pollard was mentioned in prayers and in other instances as part of the campaign to secure the release of the convicted Israeli spy.

But this was not always the case: During the first years after his capture, the vast majority of Israelis wanted nothing to do with him. The unprecedented diplomatic rift between Israel and the US, and the efforts to deescalate things vis-a-vis the US administrations had the Israeli government and intelligence community disown him. Apart from private initiatives by various MKs, Pollard was left to his own devices for many years.

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Pollard also divorced his first wife just after she was released from prison. But instead of then disappearing into oblivion, a new woman entered his life, which led to a dramatic shift in how Israeli governments and Israelis viewed him. Elaine Zeitz, who later became Esther Pollard, took it upon herself to make his release her life's mission, knowing full-well how much of a burden this could be on her narrow shoulders.

Their first interaction was through lengthy mail correspondence. In 1993 they married, with Esther knowing that this meant a very extraordinary marriage and that his release date was anything but certain. From the moment she took on this mission, she would meet with senior rabbis, influencers and activists and became an army of one, totally devoted to her cause.

Her campaign made Pollard a household name, and a prayer calling for his release became part of many services at synagogues. His release was also a topic of discussion whenever prime ministers met with their US counterparts.

Whenever I met the couple I could see the smitten Pollard looking with adoring eyes at his wife, feeling the gratitude he felt toward her. Esther, whom I got to know first hand, was a powerful woman with unbelievable strengths that was determined to bring him home. Without her, there was a real risk of no one pursuing his cause.

She saw her mission as part of the Jewish duty of pidyon shvuyim, the release of captive Jews. She paid dearly for this effort, but not once did she fear or regret this.

There is much more to tell about her courageous actions. But it is important to say loud and clear: Israel lost a daring, determined, and trailblazing woman who managed to rally a nation to a cause.

Being known as the wife of Jonathan Pollard was a badge of honor, a well-deserved citation of merit for displaying courage in the face of adversity. The thousands who attended her funeral, from all sectors of Israeli society, can attest to that.

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