Dear friends & Members of Congregation "Nier Avraham",

As we welcome Rosh Chodesh Adar, I would like to wish each and every one of you and your families a heartfelt חודש טוב ומבורך.

Our Sages teach us:

"משנכנס אדר מרבים בשמחה" – When Adar enters, we increase in joy.

May this special month bring added happiness, unity, good health, and revealed blessings to all.

With the arrival of Adar, we also prepare to fulfill the cherished mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel (זכר למחצית השקל). This beautiful custom commemorates the half-shekel contribution given in the time of the Beit HaMikdash for communal offerings.

🔹 The custom is to give three half-coins (commonly three half-dollars or their equivalent in local currency).

🔹 It is given on Ta'anit Esther or before the reading of the Megillah.

🔹 The funds collected will go toward tzedakah and the needs of our community.

It's equivalent to $26 for each person.

Welcome to send your contribution via Zelle:

Elgadom08@gmail.com

(Even HaTorah of Aventura)

Or

Venmo: Ner Avraham

May this month of Adar bring:

Increased joy in our homes

Strengthened emunah and achdut

✨ Yeshuot and nechamot for Am Yisrael

✨ Personal and communal blessings

Wishing you all a joyful and uplifting Chodesh Adar Sameach!

With blessings,

Rabbi Daniel El-Gad (Kalendarev)

Congregation "Nier Avraham"

& "Even HaTorah of Aventura" educational institution

~Special Halachot for Purim~

Megillah Reading (Night & Day): Men and women must hear the Megillah read from a kosher parchment scroll twice (night of 14th Adar and during the day). Sephardim generally make one blessing for the community on behalf of all listeners at the start.

Matanot La'evyonim (Gifts to Poor):Obligation to give money to at least two poor people, preferably during the day after Megillah reading. The amount should be sufficient for a meal.

Mishloach Manot (Food Gifts): Sending two different items of food or drink to at least one person, best done in the morning.

Seudat Purim (Festive Meal): The main, substantial meal must be eaten during the day. It should include meat and wine, and is often preceded by Minchah prayers.

Machatzit HaShekel: Sephardic custom to give three half-shekel coins to charity, often done before Minchah on the Fast of Esther or before the morning Megillah reading.

Special Additions: Al HaNissim is added to the Amidah and Birkat Hamazon.