Deliverance is Coming—Just in Time for Purim
Saturday 20 February 2021
GOD’S SAVING WORK—AS TOLD IN THE BOOK OF ESTHER
As the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.
Esther 9:22
Dear Friends,
As you may know, the holiday of Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Adar in the Jewish calendar, which is usually during February or March. This Year, Purim lands on 26 February.
It is one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar, and it commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from the brink of extermination.
Some of the ways we mark the holiday are: reading and hearing the Book of Esther together, acting out the story of Purim, eating sweets and traditional baked goods, dressing up in costumes, giving donations to the poor, and sending out goodie baskets to family and friends.
Every year, around the time of Purim, Vision for Israel reaches out to many underprivileged people as well as hundreds of terror victim families to warm their hearts with joyful events. We provide activities for the children and families, and give them a day full of pleasant, stress-free experiences.
In Israel today, there are tens of thousands of families who suffer from severe anxiety due to terror attacks, survivors of the Holocaust, people who are in great distress. Some of them are injured physically, and some are injured emotionally. The events that we host for them are sometimes the only times they’re able to leave their homes and be around people without extreme anxiety. These special events of Purim parties have been a fundamental gift to put a smile on their faces.
We have been in this pandemic crisis for over a year, unparalleled in our generation. At the same time, it is increasingly clear to us that our joy does not come from mass gatherings and celebrations—happiness and contentment come from our relationship with God Himself. Within us lies the power to enhance the atmosphere around us, and amongst our family members.
Our challenge is to assist at least one thousand families in the time between this Purim and Passover, with a financial gift of £112.
Will you help us bless these families? Will you show your love to these people—the way God showed His mercy to Esther, and delivered the Jewish people from peril?
For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honour. Esther 8:16
May the Lord bless and keep you.
In His Service,
Barry & Batya Segal
