March 1, 2023
We are over a week into the Hebrew month of Adar. This not only marks a change on the calendar, as we move from one month to the next, but also in mood and energy.
Tradition teaches us that,
משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה
Mishenichnas Adar marbin b'simcha.
“When Adar Comes, Joy Increases!”
Exactly! I think we are all ready for that, right?
This is a time of year to be happy, light hearted, and tap into our silly, playful sides. However, It’s important to qualify that joy does not necessarily manifest on its own–it’s not a sit back and wait for the joy to move you kind of thing. We are to intentionally jump into the possibility of joy, and from that place, the magic of the season unfolds.
The month of Adar brings Purim, which falls on the 14th of Adar, corresponding to the evening of Monday, March 6th and Tuesday, March 7th. This year, our spectacular Purim Celebration will be on Sunday, March 5th from 3:30 - 6:00 pm. Hopefully you have seen all the communications about the event and are planning on attending! Can’t wait to see you all.
In fact, if you come to the celebration, you will be well on your way to fulfilling the Mitzvot of Purim!
~ The Four Mitzvot of Purim ~
Purim gives us the opportunity to participate in special activities. In particular there are four mitzvot that bring us closer to the core messages of this holiday. Guess what, by coming the the CBI Purim Celebration on Sunday, you will have the opportunity to complete 3 of the 4 mitzvot : - )
Hear the Megillah @ 3:30 pm: We will have a Taste of Megillah to kick off our celebration. Come in costume, bring your grogger, and engage in this annual interactive (and somewhat raucous) telling of the Purim story!
Give to the Needy (Matanot LaEvyonim): You’ll have the opportunity to give directly on Sunday at the Purim Celebration.
“Tzedakah Bar” - Enjoy a festive drink and give tzedakah at the same time! All donations at the Tzedakah Bar will go toward feeding the hungry, both locally through our Tikkun Olam committee’s work, and globally through Mazon, a National Advocacy Organization working to end hunger. You can also donate here to Mazon directly if you cannot attend the celebration.
Tikkun Olam Committee Spring Food Drive: Bring non-perishable food items to the Purim celebration to kick off the Purim to Pesach Food Drive.
Festive Meal @ 5:00 pm: Join us for a wonderful, celebratory taco bar with all the trimmings!
You may wonder, “What is the 4th Mitzvah of Purim?”
Food gifts (Mishloach Manot): Bring food gifts to friends! Our Shul School students will engage in this mitzvah at Shul School on Tuesday, March 7th. I encourage you to also engage in this mitzvah. It is customary to give at least one friend a gift that includes at least two different foods. The purpose of this mitzvah is to increase friendship among Klal Israel (the Jewish community). Others say it is to ensure that every Jew has food for Seudat Purim, the festive Purim meal.
May we all “lighten up” and take it upon ourselves to find the joy in our leaves, to increase the joy in our lives, and to make the fun happen all month long during Adar!
Chag Purim Sameach!
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