Local Jewish News

The Rema (Hilchos Purim O.C. 696:8) relates an incredible chiddush:

He cites the work of the Teshuvos Mahari Mintz Siman 17 (Rabbi Yehuda Mintz, Italy 1400’s) that there was not only a custom for people to wear masks, but to cross-dress as well. Men would dress up in women’s clothing, and men would dress up in women’s clothing on Purim. There is no issur of Lo Silbash in this case since they are only wearing it with the intention of simcha, not for zenus.  We also find a similar idea with regards to wearing kelayim dirabanan that this is permitted on Purim since it is only intended for simcha. Some argue that there is in fact an issur in this however the custom is to indeed allow it. More so, even if people grab from one another out of simcha there is no issur of lo sigzol.

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(Cleveland.com)

This East Side suburb is set to gain its first hotel, as part of a $33 million proposed expansion of the Legacy Village shopping center.

First Interstate Properties, Ltd., hopes to build a 135-room Hyatt Place and a garage on the north side of Legacy Village. The buildings would replace a parking lot and would link to walkways opening onto the lifestyle center’s main street.

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The Luach Davar B’Ito reminds all that Purim costumes (especially hats from Eastern Europe) may contain Shatnez, and accordingly should be checked in advance of Purim to make sure that the costume is usable. Renting a costume may prove difficult if one is not able  to partially open it up to inspect for shatnez. The Luach also advises against costumes that can scare others and also reminds parents to double-check the wearability of a child’s costume to avoid last minute disappointment that the costume does not fit or falls apart.

A few people have voiced interest in a late afternoon megillah reading for those who need to work, etc. If anyone knows of one, please leave a comment.

Every year Gedaliah Yitzchak Corbett put together a list of Megillah readings throughout the community. Below appears the list from last year. If you have a new public reading tht you want to have added, email Jeffcorbett@hotmail.com. We anticipate an updated version for this year to be posted Monday evening.

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(Community Members)

It would be great if everyone in the community made an effort to make sure the sidewalks are clear of snow for Purim. Many kids will be walking the neighborhood, delivering shalach manos, and we wouldn’t want to force them to walk in the streets on a day when there is bound to be more traffic then usual. If you have a neighbor that is unable (or unwilling) to shovel their own sidewalk, it would be nice to help out and do theirs as well. If as a community, we all make this effort, it can make shalach manos delivery for our kids easier and safer.

(Press Release)

Members of the community are invited to help save a life at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Blood Drive on Monday, March 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Federation’s Mandel Building, 25701 Science Park Drive in Beachwood.

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(Gedaliah Yitzchak Corbett has put together this handy list. If something is missing, let us know in the comments.)

Wednesday March 4

(Fast begins 5:45 am (5:30 according to others) and concludes 6:51 pm (7:02, 7:06 according to others)

Minchah

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