Haveil Havalim #350: Post-Purim 5772 Edition

18 of the Twelfth Month 5772

During the month of Elul, most of us do our best to repair any damage we have done during the previous 11 months, we haven't already succeeded in repairing, damage to our family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. In other words, we attempt to make reparations, and commitments not to repeat the same errors בין אדם לחברו (between man and his fellow), in addition to בין אדם למקום (between man and HaShem).

Typically, we see our deadline as Yom HaKippurim.

Well, there is a well-known midrash suggesting that כפורים (kePurim) means "like Purim." So, sure enough, we have a similar concept of repairing (building, improving, etc.) our relationships on Purim.

It is said that one of the reasons behind giving משלוח מנות (sending of portions) to friends, one of the four misswoth of Purim, is to strengthen our connections with each other. There is even a custom to give them specifically to those at whom we are angry or resentful. I guess you could call it something like an ice-breaker, or an excuse to come over. But, it is, of course, something much more powerful than that.

The highlight of my Purim was when I saw this was confirmed in the note which was attached to the "portion" I received from my buddy Aaron Hai at Jewish Teachings:

It is written in the Holy Books that… One who sends מנות (portions) and brings about joy to their friends – sweetens all the דינים (judgments), and chases off all מרעין בישון (bad things), as written in Psalms (86:13)...

וְהִצַּלְתָּ נַפְשִׁי, מִשְּׁאוֹל תַּחְתִּיָּה

"...and you have rescued my soul from the grave at its deepest."

And the first letters of each word here can be rearranged to spell מנות.

Food for thought...with no pun intended.

Founded by Soccer Dad, Haveil Havalim is a carnival of Jewish blogs -- a weekly collection of Jewish & Israeli blog highlights, tidbits and points of interest collected from blogs all around the world. It's hosted by different bloggers each week and coordinated by Jack. The term 'Haveil Havalim,' which means"Vanity of Vanities," is from Qoheleth, (Ecclesiastes) which was written by King Solomon. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and later on got all bogged down in materialism and other 'excesses' and realized that it was nothing but 'hevel,' or in English, 'vanity.'

Before I present this week's edition of Haveil Havalim, there are a few announcements.

1. Susan Esther Barnes of To Kiss A Mezuzah will be hosting next week's edition. You may personal message her on Facebook to make your submissions.

2. Our Facebook Group is growing. If you are a Jewish/Israel-related blogger, you are invited to join us. This is now our primary way of staying in contact with one another, and to discuss and decide upon Haveil Havalim Blog Carnival logistics.

3. We may soon implement a standardized submission site. So stay tuned, and spread the word!

4. I didn't receive very many submissions this week. I remember when I had to spend most of time sorting through the multiple submissions from many bloggers. It's not like that anymore. My time is now mostly spent on surfing the Net in order to find enough posts to fill an edition. Is it just me?

In any event, it's on with the show!

Torah

Josh Waxman at the Parsha Blog presents links to words of Torah on Parshat Ki Tisa.

Tomer Devorah reposts an essay of hers from 10 years ago, yet very relevant today, "Turn And Return."

Purim

Batya at Me-Ander describes how and why she became a Yemenite For The Night. Then posting at Shiloh Musings she shares the Perfect Purim News.

Mr. Cosmic X says, I Fear For Iran.

Susan Esther Barnes at To Kiss A Mezuzah shares her Lessons From Purim.

Rafi at Life In Israel presents An Interesting Psak: Pot On Purim.

Jacob at Good News From Israel reports on the Purim Parade in Ma'aleh Adumim (includes photos!)

Northern Lights & Reflections shares on Family And Belonging.

Princess Pan presents Go Goldstein! and reminds us of some recent, and some not so recent history.

Some extensive history is also shared by Sultan Knish in The Ages Of Purim.

The Jewish Fist provides us with Reflections On The Eternal Lesson Of Amalek.

I provide my Esser Agaroth on a Purim Fail.

Beneath The Wings brings us Purim Lessons #1: Flexibility and Empathy and Purim Lessons #2.

Israel

Jerusalem Joe, writing at The Israeli Tikkun Blog, shares the story of his Escape From The Secular Prison.

Ariel at The Torah Revolution provides us with Today's Proof That The State's Not Jewish.

Jacob at Good News From Israel brings us Computer Jobs In Israel (CJI) - Annual Salary Survey Results.

Hutz la'Aretz

(Outside of Israel)

The Rabbi On The Beach gives his take on a recent spot on the Dr. Phil Show in Rabbi Shmuley is More Embarrassing than Pearlperry Reich on the Dr. Phil Show (and analysis)

Jack at the The Jack B. tells us about What A Father Knows.

And that's a wrap! Get in on the action! We'll see you next week!