March 2, 2026
As the sky turns from light to darkness tonight, we will mark the beginning of the holiday of Purim, celebrating our freedom from the evil Haman and his attempt to annihilate the Jews of Shushan and the entire Persian Empire. Haman is a descendent of Amalek, who attacked the Israelites from behind during our journey in the wilderness.
This past Shabbat, the United States and Israel began joint military efforts targeting Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. As part of those efforts, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei and top military and intelligence leaders were eliminated. For nearly forty years, Khamenei led with the mantra “Death to Israel, Death to America.” He has also been responsible for killing his own people as well as taking many other innocent lives within the region. He has funded a global terrorism network including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. His death brings relief to many Israelis and others in the region who hope a regime change will bring about a better life for the Iranian people.
It is not my role to offer political or military analysis of this moment. However, we extend our thoughts and prayers to all those in the region who are in harm’s way. We pray for the safety of the Israeli people, the IDF, the American soldiers, Iranian civilians, and all those facing the threat of Iranian retaliation. We mourn the loss of the Israelis killed in Beit Shemesh and Tel Aviv, the American soldiers who have died in these battles, the Iranian civilians who have been killed, and those in the countries affected by retaliation. We also pray for the safe return of those in our Beth Tikvah family who are seeking safety in bomb shelters.
Towards the conclusion of the Book of Esther, after Haman’s evil decree was annulled and the Jews were saved, we read “layehudim haita orah v’simcha v’sason vicar”—“The Jews enjoyed light, happiness, gladness, and honor.” In these moments of war and conflict, we know there will be darkness and uncertainty in the days ahead. We hope and pray that light, joy, and safety will come for the Jewish people, the Iranian people, and the entire world.
Please join us tonight at 7:00 PM for our Purim Spiel. We will offer prayers of peace before we begin telling our Purim story.
Chag Purim Sameach,
Rabbi Rick Kellner