Greetings in the name of His & Her Imperial Majesties Qedamawi Haile Sellassie I & Itege Menen Asfaw,

This is another one of the many interpretations of the Scriptures from the light of Ras Tafari by, I, Lidj Yefdi (pronounced Lij, Yef-dee).

So, today in Jerusalem and wherever there are adherents to Hebrew/Jewish traditions and such are celebrated the Fast of Esther, which will culminate with the celebration of Purim – פּוּרִים .

Purim, is the celebration of the deliverance of the Jews that were under the rule of the Persian Empire.

[SIDE-NOTE] FLASH FORWARD, in Scripture the Persian Empire (or otherwise known to be the Medes, were apart the four kingdoms prophecy, which Nebuchadnezzer’s dream, was interpreted by Daniel, for him by way of God’s revealing).

With this year’s calculations coming at such an interesting hedge, I apologize for not having the explanation, in full, of the Ethiopic Christian commemoration of the Great Fast or Abïy Ts’om in more detail, as I, my self have been incognito this past couple of weeks restoring my own spiritual & mental health.  This time of year leads up a sort of renewal of the faith among observers.

(But, if you’re so inclined be sure to search out our earlier posts regarding Abiy T’som, for more details…)

As we have entered into the 3rd week of the celebration in “Mikurab” (ምኩራብ) or loosely translated into the “Synagouge”/”Sanctuary” or the “gathering.”

With ever seven days, there are specific readings from the scriptures, that coincide respectively with the time & reason for the season.

According to this years’ calculations; Feb 20 – April 15, 2017, is the Ethiopian Orthodox Great Holy Lenten Fast will be in line with 55 days culminating on “Easter” April 16, 2017, observed by followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Now, with Esther and the story from Persia ( Iran ), The Fast of Esther “Ta’anit Ester:תַּעֲנִית אֶסְתֵּר  ,” is a Jewish/Hebrew fast from dawn until dusk on Purim eve, commemorating the three-day fast observed by the Jewish people in the story of Purim. If the date of the Fast of Esther falls on Shabbat, the fast is instead observed on the preceding Thursday. Like other minor fasts, Ta’anit Esther begins at dawn (first light) and ends at nightfall (full dark).

The Persian Empire came after the Babylonian Captivity.

The Jews/Hebrews in Persia were freed from the hand of Haman, who had gained favor in the sight of the king Ahasuerus (whom is also accounted for as being Xerxes I). No, Xerxes I, is not the Persian king of the movie “300” dealing with the Spartans. THAT WAS PURE HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT; THIS IS HISTORICAL FACT. Xerxes, was the king of Persia whom gave favor to Haman, the Agagite. But loved deeply, Esther, whom was the daughter of Mordecai, the Jew.

Mordecai, instructed Esther to conceal her heritage from the king and all of his court, for she had been taken along with many other young women to be suited for the king of Persia, because he put away Vashti, from being queen. But upon the conflict of Mordecai vs. Haman; Haman sought to destroy ALL the Jews/Hebrews in Persia. Silver was the payment of Haman to the king to destroy the Jews, young old, men, women and children.

[Esther 2: 7- 3:15]

Vashti, refused the king’s request to appear before the king & his guests, which were nobles and princes throughout Persia and Media.

[Esther 1(entire Chpt)]

But, unknowingly Hadassah (Eshter), was of the people of Jews (Hebrews) by way of her adoption by Mordecai, who reverenced not Haman, as the king had wanted for those of the kingdom in Persia and Media.

In the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on its thirteenth day … on the day that the enemies of the Jews were expected to prevail over them, it was turned about: the Jews prevailed over their adversaries.

[Esther 9:1]

THE STORY OF HADASSAH(ESTHER) THE QUEEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpGaDOfwty4

I would also like to give much, much thanks to the Lion of Judah Society, Inc., organization for their interpretation of Scriptures, historical events, & Ras Tafari dissemination of Ethiopian heritage in Africa, as well as, the diaspora. Here, I would like for you all to check out & consider the facts put forth here. Research, study & come to your own conclusions about the story of Hadassah (Esther) the Queen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNal4U1fgTI

So, all -in-all to the Daughters of Zion, which I named this post,…I’am sure many of you are questioning that move. Well, its very simple! Women in society are many times are thought to be pushed to the backside of many important events, and happenings in this world we see today, but, clearly even in antiquity, women hold power and influence that they, themselves, sometimes are unable to recognize. Even, the power to save millions to the billions from despair.

But, for the Daughters of Zion, as well as, the Sons, the Scriptures clearly state that we are to remember Purim for all generations, and to keep them in writing.

[Esther 9:27-28]

Not to mention being the givers of life, nourishment, sustainability…and out right, “being the first teachers of human civilization(or every child) that comes to this world” _quoted from El Hajj Malik El Shabazz(Malcolm X) by way of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Sisters, mothers, daughters and women of our families the message you give to the child(children) they will give to the world. So please consider your illustrious position in the cosmology of this existence. & while we as Ras Tafari, Ethiopians, Hebrews, & Israelites, celebrate the essence of woman in the example of Queen Esther; I certainly hope, that the men will acknowledge the counterpart that was created to be the companion of ours.

for more information on Purim; check out these pages:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purim

http://www.sichosinenglish.org/cgi-bin/calendar?holiday=auto

Chag Purim Sameach’= Greeting for Purim

חג פורים שמח

Shalom/Selam

Ras Tafari Renaissance also writes to give perspective to the Ethiopian commemoration of the Battle of Adwa, which just so happens to coincide on today’s date also.  A history changing event that shocked the world to its core.  At the time of the Battle of Adwa, the African continent was nearly colonized at every angle. due to to the “Scramble for Africa“.  The only two countries that hadn’t been colonized by European countries were Ethiopia & Liberia.  But even with all of this in the forefront, Ethiopia had defended itself well against Italian forces; saving the whole of Africa from total colonization.

The valiance of the Ethiopian people, in defense of their country, became a phenomenal example of unity, belief, heritage, & pride.  The Ethiopian people; men, women, & children, in some cases, banded together the banner of the Ethiopian flag: red, gold, & green to put aside their differences in ethnic origin, tribe, religion etc., to secure a future that would include all of them, on their own land.

The Treaty of Addis Ababa, formally brought an end to the First Italo-Ethiopian War, (in which the Battle of Adwa, was the pinnacle) whereas Italy officially recognized Ethiopia as a independant and sovereign state.  This treaty has been said to be a secret agreement, for more than scholars’ obvious reasons as Italy would eventually attempt to colonize Ethiopia again, in the coming Second Italo-Ethiopian War.

[Treaty of Addis; Oct. 23. 1896]

For this celebration of the victory at the Battle of Adwa, I would also like to direct all of you to check out this video log from the Ghion Journal on this particular topic. Please, again support & contribute to spreading the news and views of our affiliates?!

http://ghionjournal.com/lessons-adwa-unity-defeated-tyranny/

other links:

for more information on Purim & Jews(Hebrews) of Iran-Persia; check out these pages:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purim
• http://www.sichosinenglish.org/cgi-bin/calendar?holiday=auto
• Cḥag Pūrïm Saméacḥ [ חג פורים שמח ] = Greeting for Purim
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Iran
• https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/anti-semitism/iranjews.html
• Persian Jews – ( یهودیان ایرانی ) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Jews – [יהודים פרסים]
• http://parents.berkeley.edu/madar-pedar/jewshistory.html
• http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1442787/jewish/The-Jews-of-Iran.htm
• http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/parashah.html#Purim

(also, check these links out for more info on the historical Battle of Adwa)

• http://www.economist.com/blogs/johnson/2013/04/languages-diplomacy
• http://ghionjournal.com/lessons-adwa-unity-defeated-tyranny/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Wuchale
• https://www.britannica.com/event/Treaty-of-Wichale
• http://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/addis-ababa-treaty
• http://origins.osu.edu/review/when-ethiopia-stunned-world
• http://www.blackpast.org/perspectives/battle-adwa-adowa-1896
• http://www.ethiopiancrown.org/adwa.htm
• http://www.battleofadwa.org/