This Sunday, we have the unique opportunity to heed a call to action that the Rebbe announced 34 years ago.
In 1981, like this year, most of the world celebrated Purim on Friday, the fourteenth of Adar, as per the Megillah's instructions.
The Megillah further instructs that residents of Jerusalem (and other ancient walled-in cities) celebrate their special Purim, known as Shushan Purim, on the very next day. But how do they perform the Purim mitzvahs when the fifteenth of Adar occurs on Shabbat?! Handling money, for example, even for charity, may not be done on the day of rest.
This gives rise to the Purim Meshulash (“Triple Purim”), a unique celebration that is actually distributed over three days—Friday, Shabbat, and Sunday.
In a letter sent to all Jewish people worldwide just before Purim, the Rebbe noted that, “When Jews went into exile after the destruction of the first Beis Hamikdosh, they vowed never to forget Jerusalem.”
Years like this one, when Jews in the Holy City are still enjoying their final day of Purim, are the perfect opportunity for us to join and become part of their celebration.
To do so, the Rebbe called for joy-inducing Torah-study gatherings and even exchanging food gifts and giving charity if “suitable or necessary.”
“In this way,” the Rebbe wrote, “we identify ourselves still more with Jerusalem, to which we turn every day in prayer … ”
Let’s be sure to heed the Rebbe’s call and infuse this coming Sunday, March 16, 2025, with Purim joy, Purim-themed celebrations, gift-giving, and Torah classes.
