Some people consider Purim the Jewish Halloween, others see it as our version of Mardi Gras – but truly Purim is a unique holiday. It commemorates the story of Esther, who becomes queen of Persia and with her uncle Mordechai’s support, uses her position to save her people from the awful Haman, who plotted to destroy all the Jews in the kingdom. It is both a serious day, where we are obligated to take care of the poor in our midst and remember when our people were terrified for our existence, and simultaneously a light and joyful day of celebration. It is a holiday that encourages people to dress up in costumes and to engage in acts of generosity and kindness. It is a time for feasting, drinking, and making merry (in fact, it is a mitzvah to get so drunk that you can’t tell the difference between the hero and villain of the story, though there’s no true obligation to fulfill this – stay safe friends!).
One of the most powerful moments in the story of Purim is when Mordechai, Esther’s uncle, tells her, “Perhaps it was for this very crisis that you came to this position of power.” It is so easy to feel powerless given so much brokenness around us, but the Purim story reminds us that we all have a unique role to play. We may not always know what our purpose is or how we can make a difference, but the story of Esther teaches us that we should never underestimate the power of our own actions.
In the spirit of celebration, here’s what’s coming up for Purim with Tribe 12 this year:
Hamantaschen Making with Tribe 12 and Moishe House
Join us in making these delicious and famous, triangular-shaped cookies at Moishe House Philly. Show up as yourself or grab your favorite costume (a Purim tradition) for a festive end to your work day leading up to this topsy-turvy holiday!
Purim Dinner Party
Join Rabbi Megan and her family along with Rabbi Lonnie of Based in Philly for a hamantaschen filled dinner party! Costumes are encouraged!
Looking to celebrate Purim evening? Check out a few options below:
Monte Carlo Purim Masquerade
Join 100’s of Young Professionals & Grad Students for the wildest Purim party in the Tri-state Area!
Celebrate with BZBI
Celebrate Erev Purim with us by attending the Megillah reading (all are welcome) and enjoy a Purim Pub and Karaoke party upstairs in the Kahaner afterwards.
Celebrate with Rodeph Shalom
pRiSm: Purim with RuPaul’s Drag Race
Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Watch and discuss in connection with Purim. This show transforms the way we view drag, cross-dressing, and the LGBTQ community. The Talmud says of cross-dressing on Purim, “Ein kahn toeva,” or “there is no toeva – taboo here.
Community Erev Purim Shpiel
Monday, March 6 at 6:00 p.m.
Join together for the Megillah reading and congregant-led shpiel to the tunes of Billy Joel. BYOB and sample some beer from our RS BrewRS for a Purim l’chaim.
