Purim is a festive time throughout the world. Our congregation, as well as our schools, enjoy celebrating Purim. Everyone is invited to share in the merriment, and we hope you will. Purim celebrations begin at sundown on Wednesday, March 16th.
Here are a variety of ways to be part of the fun:
Purimshpiel and Megillah Readings
Wednesday, March 16th, 6:00 p.m.
Just because we can’t gather, doesn’t mean we can’t get together! Join us at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 16th for this annual treat.
The Megillah is read twice, in full, on Purim, once at night on Wednesday, March 16th following our Purimshpiel, and again on Thursday, March 17th during an earlier than usual morning Minyan at 7:00 a.m.
Click here to learn more about our Purimshpiel and our Megillah readings.
Shushan Purim…
A Wild and Crazy Celebration
Thursday, March 17th, 1:00 p.m.
This year join Cantor Leberman when he hits the streets of Jerusalem to share the Israeli holiday experience with all of us. Click here for details.
Mishloach Manot – Every Jew is obligated to give at least one Mishloach Manot. This is a wonderful opportunity to remember family and friends while supporting our Youth Department. Orders must be received by Wednesday, March 9th.
Hamantaschen – No joyous holiday would be complete without a special food item and this one is really something to get excited about. Orders must be received by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 4th and support Abraham Ratner Torah School.
More about Purim...
There are four mitzvot associated with the holiday:
Reading the Megillah
On Purim, the Megillah (Megillat Esther, or the scroll of Esther) is read aloud throughout the world. This is one time that everyone is encouraged to make noise during the service. Listeners shake their groggers (Yiddish for “noisemakers”) every time they hear the name of the villain of the story, Haman. Many communities also stage funny purimshpiels (Yiddish for “plays”) to accompany the Megillah reading.
At TIS we encourage people to use new “noisy” food items (cereal, crackers, pasta, etc.) in lieu of the traditional groggers. At the conclusion of the megillah readings, these food items are donated to the various food pantry programs we work with throughout the year. Of course, people are welcome to bring their traditional groggers as well.
Giving Gifts to Friends and Neighbors
The second mitzvah is sending gifts, or mishloach manot which is Hebrew for Purim gift baskets. Gifts of food to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. ensures that everyone has the ability to be happy during the holiday.
Eating a Special Meal
In addition to the Purimshpiel, the costume parade, and baking hamantaschen, many families, friends, and communities also enjoy the Seudah, or the Purim feast. Basically, this commandment is to “eat, drink, and be merry.”
In the years before COVID, TIS always enjoyed an annual Purim Feast prior to our live Purimshpiel show. We encourage everyone to make a feast prior to joining us online for this year’s Purimshpiel.
Giving Support to Those Who Need Help
Giving directly to those in need, matanot l’evyonim, is the fourth mitzvah. Giving to others, especially on Purim, ensures that everyone has the means to celebrate during the holiday and also honors Esther and Mordechai’s legacy of saving the Jewish people. Fulfilling the mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim can be as simple as dropping coins into a tzedakah box or making donations of food or clothing to a local pantry or shelter.