Fwd: Impact Through Listening; Download the OU Guide to Pesach; Unmasking the Minhagim of Purim

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From: Shabbat Shalom <shabbatshalom@ounetwork.org>
Date: Thu, Feb 26, 2026, 5:12 PM
Subject: Impact Through Listening; Download the OU Guide to Pesach; Unmasking the Minhagim of Purim
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Plus: Reading Someone Else's Mail PARSHAT TETZAVEH February 27-28, 2026 / 11 Adar 5786   THIS SHABBAT Parshat Zachor   SPECIAL DAYS Ta'anit Esther is observed on Monday, March 2. Purim is celebrated on Tuesday, March 3. Shushan Purim is celebrated on Wednesday, March 4.  FEATURED Impact Through Listening How do you build an entire department from the ground up? Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman, Director of the OU Women's Initiative, joins our EVP and COO, Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, on the Oh, You? podcast to share the unexpected beginnings of what would become one of the most impactful platforms for women's Torah learning. Guided by a mission to listen to communities and understand their needs, Rebbetzin Dr. Shmidman reflects on her journey at the OU and how this approach helped shape global initiatives like Torat Imecha Nach Yomi. Watch Now Unmasking the Minhagim of Purim Have you ever wondered why we shake graggers and wear costumes on Purim? Join our director of Torah and Halacha Initiatives, Rabbi Ezra Sarna, as he explores the meaning behind Purim's minhagim. Watch Now Download the OU Guide to Pesach OU Kosher Our annual guide to everything you want or need to know about Pesach is available to download. From useful charts to engaging features and practical how-to's, The OU Guide to Pesach shares everything you need to know from Pesach prep through Sefirat HaOmer. Download Now  AROUND THE OU OU Executive Fellowship and Israel Free Spirit Israel Free Spirit Birthright Mission Inspires Commitment to My Fellowship Work OU Executive Fellow Sari Moskowitz reflects on a recent volunteer mission to Israel with Israel Free Spirit, the OU's Birthright Israel department, sharing how witnessing the post–October 7 reality — through chesed projects, meaningful encounters, and moments of resilience — deepened her connection to Israel and strengthened her commitment to Jewish communal leadership. Read More OU Impact Accelerator Applications Open: Join the Impact Accelerator Applications for Cohort 7 of the OU Impact Accelerator are now open, offering nonprofit startup founders education, mentorship, networking, and grant funding to help scale their missions. Apply today, or share with a founder ready to drive the next wave of Jewish innovation! Apply Now 18Forty Rabbi Aaron Kotler: Inside the Lakewood Yeshiva In this episode of the 18Forty podcast, Rabbi Aaron Kotler, president of Beth Medrash Govoha and grandson of Rav Aharon Kotler, reflects on the origins of the American yeshiva world and discusses how the broader Jewish community can build on its enduring successes. Listen Now Savitsky Communal Growth Initiative Missed the OU Savitsky Home Relocation Fair? In case you missed this week's OU Savitsky Home Relocation Fair, the virtual platform is still available! Visit us online to learn more. Register and Login Jewish Action Phyllis Eisenberg: Mishloach Manot Consultant Octogenarian Phyllis Fern Eisenberg was an influencer before there were influencers. Her mishloach manot project, which raises approximately $50,000 annually for the Young Israel of Deerfield Beach, Florida, is known for its creativity, practicality, and elegance. Read More OU-JLIC Why Monday Night is a Highlight at JLIC Valley Hub What began as a small chaburah at the JLIC Valley Hub has grown into a beloved weekly highlight. Led by Rabbi David and Rebbetzin Shana Kashani, the gatherings include a delicious barbecue, serious Torah learning, lively discussion, genuine camaraderie, and prayer. For many participants, it has become the night that sets the tone for the entire week. Read More  UPCOMING EVENTS OU Women's Initiative Torat Imecha Nach Yomi Third Cycle Siyum Sunday, March 8, in Phoenix, AZ and Los Angeles, CA Register Now Teach NYS Leadership Mission to Albany Tuesday, March 10, to Wednesday, March 11, in Albany, NY Register Now SPIRIT Interfaith Diplomacy: Why Orthodox Judaism Must Join the Conversation Tuesday, March 10, at 12:00 PM Register Now Teach NJ Teach NJ Comedy Night Sunday, March 15, at 8:00 PM, in Paramus, NJ Register Now OU Kosher From Fish to Fowl Monday, March 16, at 8:00 PM, in Boca Raton, FL Register Now Halacha Initiatives and NASCK Men's Chevra Kadisha Leadership Conference Monday, April 27, in Edison, NJ Register Now SPIRIT and Fred And Rose Distenfeld OU Relief Missions New Orleans Mission for the 60+ Demographic Monday, May 11, to Sunday, May 17, in New Orleans, LA Register Now  TORAH Rabbi Moshe Hauer, zt"l Zachor, Forgiving and Forgetting In this period of reawakening of the Jew-hatred of the ages, we must study the lessons of Parshat Zachor anew from many angles. One of these is the tension between the values of moving on with forgiveness versus vengefully refusing to forget. Read More L'Kadsho A Faucet With a Filter Is it permitted to use a faucet with a filter on Shabbos? What about a water purification system? Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon explains it all! Plus, can you eat a morning snack and save your main meal for shalosh seudos? Find out with Rabbi Akiva Willig! A Faucet With a Filter - Learn Now More on L'Kadsho Rabbi Menachem Genack And I Will Hide, I Will Hide Why is G-d's name missing from the Megillah? An original explanation from Rav Nissan Alpert. Read in Hebrew Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman Parshas Zachor: Remembering Toward Redemption Parshas Zachor commands us, "Zachor es asher asa lecha Amalek." Yet when we turn to the haftarah, Shmuel delivers Hashem's message not with the word zachor, but with a different verb entirely: "Pakadti es asher asa Amalek l'Yisrael." The difference reflects two stages of memory. Read More