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Purim This Weekend!

Purim We are a few days from Erev Purim! I hope you have a costume planned and a place to go for the Purim Schpiel. Purim is one of those “different” holidays. There’s the kids’ level – a story of Queen Esther saving the Jews, and the adult level – where there’s a lot of…

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Where did Purim Carnivals Come From?

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)…

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Mishloach Manot – Food gifts to loved ones for Purim

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…

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Purim shpiels everywhere!

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…

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