Make a Noise on Purim for Social Justice

Two central mitzvot of PurimLit. "Lots." A carnival holiday celebrated on the 14th of the Jewish month of Adar, commemorating the Jewish victory over the Persians as told in the Book of Esther. Purim is celebrated by reading the megilla (Book of Esther), exchanging gifts, giving money to the poor, and holding a festive meal. At the megilla reading, merrymakers are dressed in costumes, people drink, and noisemakers (graggers) are sounded whenever the villain Haman's name is mentioned. are hearing the megillahLit. Scroll Usually refers specifically the Scroll of Esther (Megillat Esther) read on Purim, telling the story of how Esther saved the Jewish people. Megillat Ruth is read on Shavuot. and matanot l’evyonim – donations to the poor. There is a longstanding tradition of making a noise at each mention of Haman in the megillah to drown out the memory of him and his cohorts, Amalek, a nation the TorahThe Five Books of Moses, and the foundation of all of Jewish life and lore. The Torah is considered the heart and soul of the Jewish people, and study of the Torah is a high mitzvah. The Torah itself a scroll that is hand lettered on parchment, elaborately dressed and decorated, and stored in a decorative ark. It is chanted aloud on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbat, according to a yearly cycle. Sometimes "Torah" is used as a colloquial term for Jewish learning and narrative in general. describes as bent on attacking the vulnerable and “stragglers” among our people (Devarim 25:18). In repeatedly asserting our desire to eradicate the memory of Haman/Amalek, we are recommitting to supporting the “stragglers” in our midst – those who are struggling financially, emotionally, or physically.

Here is an easy way for communities to actively (and noisily!) demonstrate their individual and collective (re)commitment to social justice – tzedakahCharity. In Hebrew, the word tzedakah derives from the word for justice. Tzedakah is not seen as emanating from the kindness of one’s heart but, rather, as a communal obligation. – on Purim:

What you need:

1)      Packaged goods that make a noise and won’t be damaged when shaken e.g. boxes of pasta, rice, couscous, or packages of croutons, quinoa, beans, cereal etc.

2)      A sense of adventure

3)      A generous spirit

Before Purim:

1.     Check with your local food pantry to see their criteria for donating food e.g. Does it need to be KosherFit to use or consume under Jewish ritual law. "Kosher" often refers to the food which it is permissible to eat according to Jewish dietary law, but can also mean the suitableness of a Torah scross or mezuzah for proper ritual use. For more on dietary laws, see kashrut.?  Do they accept candy?

2.     Talk to the venue(s) at which megillah will be read in your community e.g. synagogues, JCC, Hillel.  Ask them to invite everyone coming to hear megillah to bring a ‘noisy’ (unopened) package of food (or several packages) that will be collected and donated to the food pantry after megillah reading.

3.     Take a tour of your kitchen or local store to find packages of food that will make a noise. (This is a great way to involve children.)

During Megillah reading:

At each mention of Haman, shake the food package(s) to produce a noise.

Suggestion for post-Megillah contest: Offer a prize for the noisiest food package!

After Megillah reading: Ensure all the collected food packages are donated to the selected food pantry.