Wednesday, March 11, 2009

MEGILLAH READING

Notice: this was supposed to be posted taanit esther, then got pushed off and got pushed off on Purim, again. I was very busy, but its here now.

Everyone is always pumped for the first megillah reading, as if they are supposed get a reward for it, but truth be told there is nothing so special about it.

Everyone crowds into shul, some in their costumes, and some not. Maybe its the fact that everyone, who does have a costume, likes to show off their great costume. Some might have great costumes and think so, some don't have great ones and still think so. But I don't think this is why everyone likes megillah reading; otherwise, you can just have a normal party with everyone bringing their costumes.


Then you have to wait for the megillah reading that you were pumped about, through most of maariv; is this a great way to start off Purim? Okay so now you've started megillah reading, its got a funny tune to it, but its not something to be pumped about, and if you want to bang when the reader says Haman, you still have to wait till the third perek to hear the first one. I don't think that's why people are pumped about it; besides, the fact that you bang a little, there is really nothing to be so pumped about.

Another thing not to be pumped about is that, you hear the same story every year, who wants that. Go tell a five year old the same story every year (he will have to be five for quite a few years) you'll never hear him asking for you tell a story again. Not only that, but you are fasting at this point in time, no one wants to listen to megillah.

This leaves me to realize that the only reason people are pumped about megillah is that everyone is quiet during it; otherwise, you miss a word and aren't yotzei. Who wouldn't like for everyone to be quiet at some point in time, I definitely would like that.

If you have a different reason to be pumped about megillah reading, please share.

5 people gave their 2 cents:

BrooklynWolf said...

Well, I'm usually somewhat pumped about it... but then again, that's because I'm doing the reading.

The Wolf

Mikeinmidwood said...

Brookly Wolf

Good answer. Do you put some extra tunes into it (shtick)?

frum single female said...

i have to say i love shaking my grogger when haman's name is recited. im way past five, but it definitley helps me concentrate on the words.

Lion of Zion said...

where do you daven? i've never been to a shul that was quiet during the megillah.

Mikeinmidwood said...

Frum Single Female

I dont think, in all my years, I have used a grogger for haman.

Lion O Zion

I dont know where you daven, but people are quiet during most of the leining, except parts which you say out loud or haman banging.