“…בַּיּ֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר שִׂבְּר֜וּ אֹיְבֵ֤י הַיְּהוּדִים֙ לִשְׁל֣וֹט בָּהֶ֔ם וְנַהֲפ֣וֹךְ ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁלְט֧וּ הַיְּהוּדִ֛ים הֵ֖מָּה בְּשֹׂנְאֵיהֶֽם:” (אסתר ט,א)

“…the very day on which the enemies of the Jews had expected to get them in their power, the opposite happened, and the Jews got their enemies in their power” (Esther 9:1). 

On Purim, we celebrate the flipping of our people’s lot — from severe fear of destruction to a joyous celebration of identity. Yesterday was the first day of the Hebrew month of Adar. According to Jewish tradition, when the month of Adar begins, one should increase rejoicing and joy (Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Taanit 29a). In the next two weeks leading up to the joyful holiday of Purim, let’s make an effort to bring joy to others by helping those who need our help. This may be in small acts of support to a friend or relative in need, or by speaking up or standing up for those who need our voice. 

Our gratitude towards those who have helped us will shine by “paying it forward” to others in need. 

Use this Standing Up calendar to mark your daily act of standing up joyfully for others.

Each day, record one action of standing up for others that you have performed.