The Story in a Nutshell
The Persian Empire of the 4th century BCE extended over 127 lands, and all the Jews were its subjects. When King Ahasuerus had his wife, Queen Vashti, executed for failing to follow his orders, he arranged a beauty pageant to find a new queen. A Jewish girl, Esther, found favor in his eyes and became the new queen, though she refused to divulge her nationality.
Meanwhile, the Jew-hating Haman was appointed prime minister of the empire. Mordechai, the leader of the Jews (and Esther’s cousin), defied the king’s orders and refused to bow to Haman. Haman was incensed, and he convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of all the Jews on the 13th of Adar, a date chosen by a lottery Haman made.
Mordechai galvanized all the Jews, convincing them to repent, fast and pray to G‑d. Meanwhile, Esther asked the king and Haman to join her for a feast. At a subsequent feast, Esther revealed to the king her Jewish identity. Haman was hanged, Mordechai was appointed prime minister in his stead, and a new decree was issued, granting the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies.
On the 13th of Adar, the Jews mobilized and killed many of their enemies. On the 14th of Adar, they rested and celebrated. In the capital city of Shushan, they took one more day to finish the job.
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As the Month of Adar is known as the month of joy and good fortune, may we all truly have reason to celebrate and be eternally happy!
On Purim we emphasize the importance of friendship and community by sending gifts of mishloach manot, to friends.
Give to the Needy (Matanot La'evyonim)
Concern for the needy is a year-round responsibility; but on Purim it is a special mitzvah to remember the poor.
Give charity to at least two, (but preferably more) needy individuals on Purim day.
The mitzvah is best fulfilled by giving directly to the needy. If, however, you cannot find poor people, place at least two coins into a charity box. As with the other mitzvahs of Purim, even small children should fulfill this mitzvah.
“On Purim we give to those less fortunate than ourselves by giving gifts of money and food to the poor”
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For Bank transfers:
EURO BANK.
PHANEROMENIS BRANCH - 373
JEWISH COMMUNITY CYPRUS
ACCOUNT: 373-01-712350-01
IBAN: CY51 0050 0373 0003 7301 7123 5001
SWIFT: HEBACY2N
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BANK OF CYPRUS
Branch - Main Branch Larnaca (0550)
Account #: 357019355859
IBAN: CY24 0020 0195 0000 3570 1935 5859
Swift: BCYPCY2N
Account Name: JEWISH COMMUNITY OF CYPRUS
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In USA:
Name: American Friends of JCC, INC.
Account Number: 483072813952
Routing Number: 021000322
SWIFT: BOFAUS3N
Address: 665 Crown St. Brooklyn, NY 11213-5303
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In the UK:
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