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Purim

Two people looking at a colorful illustrated scroll with Hebrew text.

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

A radical feminist Purim poem collage

Barbie doll in front of vintage Corn Flakes boxes with a feminist protest sign above about womens rights.

In this revised tradition, we read aloud four Megillah verses highlighting Esther’s triumph alongside the customary four highlighting Mordechai’s role

Two people examine a large megillah scroll with colorful illustrations and Hebrew text, pointing at different sections.

When the Megillah is read publicly on Purim, four verses about Mordechai are read aloud by the congregation before the reader. The author explains the origin of this custom and suggests four additional verses to celebrate Esther’s heroism.

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This essay explores the Purim story from a feminist perspective, and discusses Ma’yan’s new ritual of waving Esther/Vashti flags during the Megillah reading whenever the heroines’ names are mentioned.

Colorful artwork with two faces in profile surrounded by flowers and script in various colors.

Tips for eco-friendly actions

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A feminist ritual, Esther/Vashti flags for Purim

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