Though Purim is a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, it is widely observed and a favorite of children. According to the scroll of Esther 9:22, we are to observe Purim as a time of “feasting and gladness.” The holiday is marked not only the by reading of the scroll, but by Purim plays (spiels)…
Read More »Mishloach manot, (translation:sending of portions) are commonly referred to as Purim baskets. These baskets or pretty bags are filled with food and given to friends and family, teachers and coworkers on Purim. The commandment to give these gifts comes from the Book of Esther (which contains the story of Purim) and is intended to ensure…
Read More »Homemade Bollywood costume Purim is coming! Along with it comes the commandment to Be Happy, Have Fun and Get Drunk! OK, you don’t actually have to get drunk but you are supposed to really whoop it up. Every synagogue is holding a Purim Shpiel – that is telling the Purim story. Many synagogues pick a…
Read More »Here’s a list of eight commonly asked questions on Purim. Plus a fun fact! Take a look. Purim commonly asked questions
Read More »Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in? You were the ‘other’? There are many reasons for feeling, I’m out of place, or as a dear friend of mine says, I feel like an onion in a petunia patch. Here are some: I’m Catholic in a Jewish family; I’m Chinese and Jewish; I’m gay;…
Read More »Purim will begin Wednesday evening, March 7. That’s the night that synagogues typically hold their Purim Schpiel – the retelling of the Purim story. Sometimes the story is chanted from a simple scroll and many times there is a comical play telling the story. It is popular to pick a theme – like Purim according…
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