Hello October!
We are well into Week 2 and if you are following along, you should be reading Chapter 2 of the...
For those planning to join us via online, please email godsopportunity.canton@gmail.com by Tuesday, October 2 at noon so that I can prepare for our online conversation.
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Week 2- October 2nd @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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1. The Festival of Purim
Last week we touched on a few key ideas and some foundational elements to set the stage for our 10-week study (territory, events in history, etc). As we study the book of Esther, we also need to account the many traditions the Jewish culture celebrates to remember the events of their history.
This week we will take a look at the Festival of Purim (po͝orim). A Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, who was planning to "destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day". The holiday is celebrated on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). Below are a few more additional facts:
What does Purim Mean?
Purim means “lots” in ancient Persian. The holiday was thus named since Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his plan.
2019 Festival Date?
For 2019 Purim will be celebrated from the evening of March 20 to the evening of March 21, 2019
Happy Holiday?
Purim is a happy holiday. It is one of the ten major Jewish holidays. The story of how the Jews overcame adversity and survived. It is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar.
Purim Observances
Reading of the Megillah (book of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle. This is done once on the eve of Purim and then again on the following day.
For some, every time during the reading when Haman’s name is spoken- noisemakers go off (called graggers), to express displeasure with the archenemy of the Jews, Haman. When his name is mentioned in the Megillah, people make noise and “stomp him out” actions occur (i.e., booing and hissing).
For some, a celebratory flag is waved when Esther’s name is mentioned.
Program/Play (by the children) on the story of Esther.
People dress up in silly costumes
Giving money gifts to at least two poor people.
Sending gifts of two kinds of food to at least one person and tasty treats.
A festive Purim feast, which often includes wine or other intoxicating beverages.
Singing of songs
Food
The hamantash — a pastry whose filling is hidden within a three-cornered crust a traditional pastry eaten during Purim. The three-pointed hamantashen are said to evoke Haman’s three-cornered hat or his triangular ears.
2. Coming Next Week...Recap of Chapter 1 Commentary
To help us further understand each chapter, starting next week check out a link for an in-depth commentary on one chapter at a time. The commentary is provided by Rabbi Kaplan who explains that "everyone hears the scroll (the Megillah) being read, but very few people study the book. It's a good idea to study the book."
Over the next few months as we hear, read and listen, we will also "study the book", obtain perspectives and insights that can only come from an intentional focus on each chapter. Please continue to pray over our study and those on this journey; that God will provide patience, clarity, and understanding so that we take what we've learned to be a source of good news, salt, and light to others.
Never forget, God has a plan for all of us. As Beth Moore states "our destiny is tied to our history." Let's keep learning this history as it will both shape and guide our future.
Oh, princesses of faith...remember
Prayer “empowers and ‘charges up’ every other piece so they can be used effectively against the enemy. Without prayer… your armor, cannot, will not, be infused with the power that only God’s-Spirit can give."
Closing Thoughts-
Know that through the Holy Spirit you can:
· do things you couldn't;
· feel things you didn't; and
· know things you wouldn't.
GO! PLAYLIST...For your praise and worship:
GO! 10/1/18- New feature, contains a playlist of songs and Books of the Bible (from Bible Project) for your praise and worship time.
Housekeeping:
· THIS WEEK Fall/Winter GO! Session 8 ~ Esther, It's Hard Being A Women
Remember, each day is an opportunity for us to...
Lead, Serve and GO!