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Jewish tradition teaches: Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha - When the Hebrew month of Adar arrives, we should increase our joy (Babylonian Talmud Ta’anit 29). And it is by celebrating our upcoming festival of Purim that we find ways to add to our communal sense of joy and happiness in this month.
While Purim’s festivities typically include costumes and carnivals, there are also four main mitzvot that we are asked to perform:
- The Reading of the Megillah (Mikra Megillah)
- The Festive Purim Meal (Seudat Purim)
- Sending Gifts (Mishloach Manot)
- Gifts to those in need (Matanot l’Evyonim)
This year, in particular, we find ourselves in desperate need of a holiday focusing on joy and fun. And yet, at the same time, we remain intensely aware of how many individuals and families are unable to celebrate together at this season.
So, we are doing something a little different this year. Instead of sending
mishloach manot (Purim gift bags) to each of our Kol Ami families,
our synagogue is partnering with Friends of the Israel Defense Forces to send
mishloach manot to every soldier serving in the Kedem Battalion, to let them
know they are not alone and to help share a little taste of Purim joy in this
festival season.
Even as we celebrate, our hearts remain with our brothers and sisters in and around the State of Israel, and we pray for an end to conflict and lasting peace.
You can read more about Congregation Kol Ami’s mishloach manot project here. And there are also ways to donate above and beyond what we as a synagogue community have already pledged on behalf of all of our member families.
We wish you a sweet and joyful Purim. And we look forward to celebrating with you on Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24.
Chag Sameach!
Rabbi Jennifer L. Frenkel Eric M. Hurwitz
Senior Rabbi President
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