For the 39th consecutive year, “Phil Fink’s Shalom America” will present a live reading of Megilat Esther – The Story of Esther – on Cleveland radio. This year’s reading will be part of the weekly two hour broadcast of “Shalom America” broadcast on WELW 1330 AM from 7:00 am – 9:00 AM on Purim day, Sunday, February 24. Shalom America host Phil Fink will be joined once again by his son and co-host Shawn, the producer of the weekly Jewish-themed program, Dr. Mark Lovinger will return to read the Megillah.
“By broadcasting a live reading of the Megillah without any commercial interruption, we make it possible for those who otherwise might not be able to hear a Megillah reading in person to fulfill the mitzvah [obligation] of hearing the Megillah read on Purim”, explains Fink. “Over the years we have consulted with a number of leading Orthodox Rabbis who have agreed that if a person has no other way of hearing the Megillah, they may listen to a live reading over the radio and fulfill the mitzvah in that manner.”
The broadcast will also feature Purim-music, spiels (comedic skits), and special guest appearances.
In addition to the live broadcast on WELW, the Purim special will also be webcast on Radio-J.com the webcasting service of Olam Broadcasting Inc. (http://Radio-J.com). Due to the delay inherent in webcasting, it is not possible to fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the Megillah via the internet.
“Phil Fink’s Shalom America”, which debuted in 1964 is the longest-running Jewish radio program in North America and is broadcast Sunday mornings from 7-9 AM on WELW 1330 AM. An internet edition, “Shalom America Worldwide” is heard weekday mornings at 9 am on Radio-J.com (http://Radio-J.com) with repeats at 3 pm, 9 pm, and 5 am.
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