Megillah

Definition

A megillah is a scroll, specifically referring to one of the five biblical scrolls (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther) that are read publicly during Jewish holidays. The most well-known megillah is the Book of Esther, read during Purim, which recounts the story of the Jewish people's deliverance from a plot to annihilate them. This reading is accompanied by specific customs and laws tied to public recitation, emphasizing community and remembrance in Jewish tradition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The megillah is traditionally written on parchment and must be read in Hebrew during Purim in a public setting.
2. When the megillah is read, listeners often make noise with graggers (noisemakers) whenever Haman's name is mentioned to symbolize the triumph over evil.
3. There are specific laws governing how the megillah must be read, including the requirement for proper pronunciation and intention.
4. The reading of the megillah serves as a reminder of divine intervention and communal solidarity among Jews in the face of adversity.
5. Aside from Purim, other megillot are read on their respective holidays, such as Ruth on Shavuot and Lamentations on Tisha B'Av.

Review Questions

• What is the significance of reading the megillah during Purim, and how does it enhance community participation?
  • Reading the megillah during Purim is significant as it commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's decree to annihilate them. This public reading not only relays an important historical event but also fosters a sense of community and shared identity among participants. The accompanying customs, like making noise at Haman's name, enhance engagement and create a festive atmosphere that reinforces collective memory and celebration.
• Discuss the specific laws regarding the reading of the megillah and their implications for Jewish communal life.
  • The laws surrounding the reading of the megillah emphasize accuracy in pronunciation, proper intention during the recitation, and ensuring that it is done in a public setting. These guidelines ensure that everyone can hear and understand the story, reinforcing communal bonds. The emphasis on public reading also highlights the importance of shared experiences in Jewish life and observance, making each member feel involved in maintaining traditions.
• Evaluate how the themes found in the megillah relate to broader concepts of survival and identity within Jewish tradition.
  • The themes found in the megillah, particularly those of survival against oppression and maintaining identity in times of danger, resonate deeply within Jewish tradition. The story exemplifies divine intervention in human affairs while underscoring the importance of community solidarity. This narrative has been historically significant as it not only provides a framework for understanding past struggles but also serves as a source of inspiration for contemporary challenges faced by Jewish communities worldwide.

Related terms

Purim:

A Jewish holiday that celebrates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman's plot to destroy them, as told in the Book of Esther.

Talmud:

The central text of Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara, which includes discussions on Jewish law and traditions related to megillah readings.

Al Hanissim: A prayer recited during the Amidah and Birkat Hamazon on Purim, thanking God for the miracles performed for the Jews during the events of the Book of Esther.