Purim Myths and Facts

Purim Myths and Facts (fromindependentfrumthinker.blogspot.com) (click on link to see the original post with all the feisty comments) . I am posting these as points of interests; please let's not be mefuraz umefurad over this - it's just food for thougt as a fast day and then a holiday approach)

As I was preparing spiritually for the holy day of Purim, I compiled a list of Purim myths and facts, which I would like to share with my readers.Please feel free to add your own, which assuming I agree, I will add to the post.

1 –Myth – Ta’anis Esther is in commemoration of the three day fast that Esther declared before enteringAchashveirosh’s quarters.

Fact – It is a commemoration of the fast that the Jews fasted on the thirteenth of Adar, the day on which they fought their enemies. It is named after Esther since she is an example of someone whose Tefilos were answered. (Tur Orach Chaim 686, Kitzur ShulchanAruch 141:2, & Mishna Brurah 686:2).

2 –Myth – The reason Hashem punished the Jews by allowing Haman to threaten them with annihilation was because they took part in Achashveirosh’s party.

Fact – They were punished for bowing down to the idol of Nevuchadnetzar. (Gemorah Megillah 12a).

3 –Myth - The two foods of Mishloach Manos must be of two different Brachos, otherwise they are considered as one.

Fact – As long as they are two distinct foods, even two types of meat, they are considered as two. (GemorahMegillah 7b, Rambam Hilchos Megillah 2:15).

4 –Myth – One should spend more on Mishloach Manosthan on Matanos L’Evyonim.

Fact – It is better to spend more money on MatanosL’Evyonim than on Mishloach Manos, since bringing joy to downtrodden people is a greater Mitzvah. (Rambam2:17).

5 –Myth – One is obligated to get drunk on Purim.

Fact – Not necessarily. Although there are thoseRishonim who rule that way, many others argue and rule that one should simply drink more than he is accustomed to and then nap a little. (Rambam 2:15,Shulchan Aruch and Rema 695:2, Mishna Brurah 695:5, & Aruch Hashulchan 695:5).

6 –Myth – Haman’s daughter, after realizing that she dumped a pail of refuse on her father’s head, jumped off the roof.

Fact – She actually fell off the roof, apparently from shock, and not that she committed suicide. (GemorahMegillah 16a).

7 –Myth – Achashveirosh was simply fooled by Haman and felt no dislike towards the Jews.

Fact – He hated the Jews just as much as Haman, and was happy to get rid of them. (Gemorah Megillah 14a).

8 –Myth – Haman had ten sons.

Fact – There are actually three opinions. He either had thirty, ninety, or two hundred and eight. ApparentlyMegillahs Esther refers to his ten higher-ranking sons, though he had more. (Gemorah Megillah 15b).