BS”D

Enjoy the virtual Farbrengen in installments on YouTube (below)!  For maximum Farbrengen feel (as much as one can get virtually at least, though doesn’t compare to the in-person experience!), take a breather after each segment to listen to an uplifting melody and absorb the lessons on an emotional level, too.  I have provided a selection of links in the body of the post, below, along with suggested sites to learn more about Purim, and even a basic transcript of the recorded discussion.  Happy Purim, and Shine Your Inner Light!

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P.S. (one day after publishing):  One absolutely vital point about adversity that somehow slipped my drafted notes during revision, is that while we can find meaning in our own pain, it is never our place to justify or downplay another’s suffering, or insist to them, “It’s all for the best, G-d’s plan!”  They need your empathy; they will decide when they’re ready to grow from the challenge, and how.  It’s between them and G-d.  And what did the Jewish People do before they found good in their dark situation of impending national genocide?  They commiserated, sharing the pain and burden, crying and praying as one.  Validate, support, don’t judge, take a step back if necessary, let the tears fall… and nurture the seeds of growth on their own.  Perhaps it’s Divine Providence I forgot to share this thought earlier, since just moments ago I found this potently inspiring article with a relevant theme, authored by Rabbi Levi Avtzon (one of my favorite columnists) for Chabad.org.

 

CREATIVE WRITING CHALLENGE:

NARRATIVE POEM – EXPRESS YOUR STORY; REFRAME AND TRANSFORM A CHALLENGE INTO AN OPPORTUNITY!

Victimized to Victorious, Inside Out, Pain to Purpose, Venahafoch Hu!  
How to become a Queen Esther today!

Beginning:

Share your predicament; set the scene, introduce the main character(s); feel and validate your pain – it’s okay if you start off feeling like a victim (e.g. to your circumstances or to others’ offenses).

PROMPT/EXAMPLE/SENTENCE STARTER: “I am bothered/hurt by…”:

 

Middle:

(This is the transition to your ‘after’ stage); how do you see/feel Divine direction in your difficulty; consider what new opportunities the painful experience has made possible

PROMPT/EXAMPLE/SENTENCE STARTER: “I see/connect Hashem…”:

 

End:

Present your new perspective now that you’ve discovered the “why” of your low; how are you emerging victorious, stronger and more fulfilled than before; express gratitude to G-d for His goodness, hidden and now revealed.

PROMPT/EXAMPLE/SENTENCE STARTER: “My purpose here is…”:

 

A SELCTION OF RELATING, SOUL-STIRRING SONGS AND MELODIES:

 

RECOMMENDED LINKS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PURIM:

  • https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/default_cdo/aid/109190/jewish/Purim.htm
  • https://www.aish.com/h/pur/

 

DISCOVER RASHI’S MINKOWICZ’S LEGACY, AND RECAP THE FESTIVITIES FROM THE DEDICATION OF HER  CAMPUS!

  • https://www.chabad.org/multimedia/media_cdo/aid/2549182/jewish/Mrs-Rashi-Minkowicz-of-blessed-memory.htm
  • https://www.collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=54769
  • https://www.collive.com/show_news.rtx?id=54916&alias=rashis-campus-dedicated-in-georgia

 

TRANSCRIPT OF VIRTUAL FARBRENGEN:

View and/or download it at link concealed below in emboldened title.  I apologize for typos, and please note that I may have diverted from the precise text as I spoke to the camera.

Virtual “Venahafoch Hu” Farbrengen Transcript