Bridges of Peace is a Christian organisation that has been supporting Jews and Israel for over 60 years.

Peter is the International CEO of Bridges for Peace, an organisation that aims to build relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world. He is based in Jerusalem.

Come, meet Rev Peter Fast and hear him talk about their work.

Wednesday, 7.30 pm, April 9, 2025

Venue Christchurch, 71 Main South Rd, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch.

There are no tea and coffee facilities so no need to bring a plate of finger food.

The jolly festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar (late winter/early spring). It commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day,” as recorded in the Megillah (book of Esther).

The Persian Empire of the 4th century BCE extended over 127 lands, and all the Jews were its subjects. When King Ahasuerus had his wife, Queen Vashti, executed for failing to follow his orders, he arranged a beauty pageant to find a new queen. A Jewish girl, Esther, found favor in his eyes and became the new queen, though she refused to divulge her nationality.

Meanwhile, the Jew-hating Haman was appointed prime minister of the empire. Mordechai, the leader of the Jews (and Esther’s cousin), defied the king’s orders and refused to bow to Haman. Haman was incensed, and he convinced the king to issue a decree ordering the extermination of all the Jews on the 13th of Adar, a date chosen by a lottery Haman made.

Mordechai galvanized all the Jews, convincing them to repent, fast and pray to G‑d. Meanwhile, Esther asked the king and Haman to join her for a feast. At a subsequent feast, Esther revealed to the king her Jewish identity. Haman was hanged, Mordechai was appointed prime minister in his stead, and a new decree was issued, granting the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies.

On the 13th of Adar, the Jews mobilized and killed many of their enemies. On the 14th of Adar, they rested and celebrated. In the capital city of Shushan, they took one more day to finish the job.

Purim means “lots” in ancient Persian. The holiday was thus named since Haman had thrown lots to determine when he would carry out his diabolical scheme. You can pronounce this name many ways. In Eastern tradition, it is called poo-REEM. Among Westerners, it is often called PUH-rim. Some Central-European communities even call it PEE-rim. (WARNING: Calling this holiday PYOO-rim—as English speakers are sometimes wont to do—is a surefire newbie cover-blower.)

• Reading of the Megillah (book of Esther), which recounts the story of the Purim miracle. This is done once on the eve of Purim and then again on the following day.
• Giving money gifts to at least two poor people.
• Sending gifts of two kinds of food to at least one person.
• A festive Purim feast, which often includes wine or other intoxicating beverages.

Source: Chabad

Miki and Rina’s son was killed on October 7 while trying to release hostages from a house in Kfar Azar.

Wounded twice before October 7 in combat, Omri’s courage was well-known.  Join us as his parents Miki and Rina tell his story.

At the end, details will be shared on how donations can be made to Omri’s unit, to support the families of the fallen and the psychiatric and medical rehabilitation of unit members.

Unfortunately, the venue is only available to us from 7.15pm.  We would be grateful if members could help put out chairs and library books as soon as they arrive, so that we can start on time.

ADMISSION:  Please bring a plate of finger food (no pork or seafood products, thanks).