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Pre-course Information Packet

Section #1: The Purim Story – Commentary to Megillat Esther (Scroll of Esther)
Section #2: Purim Themes
Section #3: Purim Laws & Customs

Section #1: The Purim Story - Megillat Esther (Scroll of Esther)

1. Historical Timeline to the Purim Story
2. Introduction to Megillat Esther
   1. The Commentaries
   2. Style of Presentation
   3. The Jewish Calendar
   4. The Protagonists of Megillat Esther
   5. The concept of a Megillat Esther
3. English Translation (link to another site)
4. Commentary to Megillat Esther (Ten files)
   1. Chapter One
   2. Chapter Two
   3. Chapter Three
   4. Chapter Four
   5. Chapter Five
   6. Chapter Six
   7. Chapter Seven
   8. Chapter Eight
   9. Chapter Nine
   10. Chapter Ten

Section #2: Purim Themes

1. The Structure of the Jewish Holidays
   1. A. Two Patterns in the Jewish Holidays
   2. Historical Pattern of Shabbat and the Holidays
2. Cycle of the Jewish Fast Days

Section #3: Purim Laws & Customs

1. Month of Adar
2. Shabbat before Purim: Remembering Amalek
3. Day before Purim
   1. Fast of Esther (Ta’anit Esther)
   2. Half-Shekel contributions
4. Purim Night
   1. Reading Megillat Esther
   2. Festive meal
5. Purim Day
   1. Reading Megillat Esther
   2. Exchange food gifts (Mishlo’ach Ma’not)
   3. Distributions to the poor (Matanot La’evyonim)
   4. Festive meal
6. Shushan Purim