Notes from Cantor Avima

     I have always enjoyed reading Megillat Esther "The Scroll of Esther". I first learned to chant a small passage of Megillat Esther in my teens and have made it a personal challenge to read more through the years and now I can say that  I have chanted the "gantze" megillah with trope (cantillation) many times.  I do  find I have to spend quite a bit of time every year refreshing, reviewing and mastering sections I have never felt I fully mastered. I have considered it a personal challenge every year. It is a mitzvah to hear every word of the megillah, which is challenging when people are also supposed to "make noise" every time they hear the name of the evil guy. It is a strange dichotomy - to be quiet enough to hear every word, yet make a lot of noise every few words or sentences. Many people avoid attending Purim services and the  megillah reading because they are uncomfortable with the noisy graggers and general chaos. I have to admit, that I too prefer at least one opportunity to chant or hear the entire megillah in a more restrained setting... where the words can be heard and the goal is to hear a story rather than to get "finished" as quickly as possible. With a bit less chaos, you can delve into the intricate twists and turns of the story.  I hope there are at least a few like minded folks in our shul that will come hear the whole megillah on Saturday night at 8:00 PM following Havdallah as well as Sunday at 3:00 PM. The Saturday night reading will be streamed, but I hope we will have a nice group in person. Hamentashen will be served. Of course, if you do prefer the excitement and the chaos, we will have plenty of that on Sunday morning - the family reading (abbreviated), costume parade, purimspiel and carnival will take place. Please check the synagogue calendar for details. 

     For 16 facts about Megillah Esther, click on the link:  16 facts about Purim and the Book of Esther