Today is a special Purim for residents of the Holy City of Jerusalem. Our set calendar was designed such that Purim can never be on Shabbos—except in Jerusalem (and other cities surrounded by walls back in the time of Joshua). The Purim story tells us that Shushan, the Persian royal city, observed the holiday one day later, and this is the source for this postponed observance. So while the rest of us have Purim on Friday, in Jerusalem they have a “Purim in three parts.”
There are four mitzvos (Commandments) special to Purim: reading the Megillah, giving money to the poor, having a festive meal, and sending gifts of food to friends. In Jerusalem this year, the first two of these are done on Friday, the special prayer commemorating the miracles is added over the Sabbath, and the last two special mitzvos are done on Sunday.
Why is Purim taken apart in this way? Why is it not simply observed on Shabbos?
Our Torah portion provides the answer. First we read details of gifts the Israelites gave to the Tabernacle, services done there, and how the holy vessels were to be made. But the instruction concludes with a special warning: “only my Sabbaths shall you guard, for it is a sign between Me and you for your generations, to know that I am HaShem who sanctifies you” [31:13]. Rashi explains that this caution comes here to tell us that even the Commandments regarding the Tabernacle do not justify pushing off the Sabbath. Although they felt time pressure and were working quickly, they still had to stop.
Several aspects of the Purim Commandments would violate other Torah and rabbinic prohibitions, and the frivolity of Purim does not match the restful enjoyment of Shabbos. This is why the rabbis made a “Sabbath Purim” run over three days: because even with the best of intentions, one must remember which responsibilities come first.
In all areas of life, we should always remember our ultimate priorities!
