March 2004

Purim-Making Merry with Meaning

Purim, the Feast of Esther, is a day for costumes, humor, and celebration. It has the sparkle and spirit of a fiesta, carnival, "April Fool's Day" and more-but all with a Jewish meaning and spiritual values.
As related in the Biblical book of Esther, Purim recalls the redemption of the Jews of ancient Persia during the period of the Babylonian exile in the sixth century B.C.E. The wicked Haman, vizier of the powerful King Ahasuerus, plotted genocide against the Jews. He cast lots, or purim, to determine the day of their destruction. But a court Jew named Mordechai and his niece, the young Jewish Queen, Esther, stepped in to reverse the evil plan and save their people. We celebrate the holiday to this day in imitation of the Jews of ancient Shushan, Persia, by retelling their story, feasting, giving gifts of food to friends, and distributing charity.
Purim has been called "the classic story of success in the diaspora." The story of Purim reverberates with themes of Jewish history. Time and again, Jews have been objects of baseless hatred, and many a Jewish community has celebrated its own special "Purim," commemorating a local deliverance from danger. Many Jews, like Queen Esther, have had to make the difficult choice between assimilation into the highest ranks of society, and putting themselves at risk through identification with their religion and their people.
There are four major mitzvot related to Purim:
1) Hearing the reading of the Megillah, the book of Esther. It will be read on the eve of Purim and the day of Purim as well. Adults and children often wear costumes, and noisemakers (graggers or ra'ashanim) are sounded to drown out the name of the villainous Haman. At CBI, we are most excited to be purchasing a kosher handwritten Megillah this year with the help of several generous members who will be recognized in the April bulletin.
2) Sending Mishloach Manot ("parcels of portions") or goody baskets, to friends. Traditionally, a minimum of two types of food are sent to at least one friend. Each year our religious school students make these goody baskets for members of the communities, but families are encouraged to make them at home to exchange with their friends as well.
3) Matanot La'Evyonim (gifts to the needy) is the mitzvah of distributing tzedakah (righteous giving, charity) to at least two needy people or two charitable organizations on Purim.
4)The Purim Se'udah is the festive meal traditionally enjoyed at home, or in a communal setting, on Purim afternoon. We will have a pizza dinner on March 7 as part of our family carnival.
Other Customs of Purim:

Purim is a time for costumes, noisemakers, carnivals, parades, parties, eating hamantaschen, and just plain fun! The purim shpil is a play or and parody in the spirit of the day, which we will enjoy at our adult purim party on March 6. (In Israel, the media treat Purim like "April Fool's Day" and report satirical news stories.)
We will celebrate Purim at CBI this year with two exciting events: an adult Purim party cosponsored by CBI and Sisterhood on Saturday, March 6, and a Religious School family carnival on March 7 (see flyers in this newsletter). Remember-this is partying with a purpose-celebrating our heritage and the continuity of the Jewish people. So be sure to join us for (in the words of one Jewish educator) some serious partying this Purim.

Happy Purim,

Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan