Purim

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Is Purim about the hidden and the revealed? About the solemn task of using power wisely? About communal celebration? About the rights of Jews and of women? A deadly serious grown-up holiday, or a fun and frivolous day of festivities for children? Purim is all of these. While costumes bring a light note to our reading of the Megillah (Scroll of Esther), our gifts to the poor and to each other echo the themes of community and mutual responsibility. On Purim, we hear the story of Esther, participate in a festival meal (se’udat mitzvah), give tzedakah, and give gifts to friends (mishloah manot). Drowning out Haman’s name is now joined by waving Esther and Vashti flags, to call attention to these women’s complex and important roles in the Purim tale.

 

Latest Rituals

This Purim ritual centers on Queen Esther’s strengths and characteristics.
A teaching about how G-d/Shekhinah is present in the Purim story through Her human partners, Queens Vashti and Esther.
“We need both light / And darkness / In order to grow”
“What had been hidden / Became revealed”
“There is always hope in Adar”
“It is by means of the dark / That the hidden light can finally be seen”

Bringing mindfulness to the act of welcoming guests through a chant and series of ritual intentions

“Before we drink, we ponder”

Iraqi Purim cookie recipe with video

Mindfulness meditation and teaching for Purim

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