Purim 5777: March 11-12!

Image: Three members of Temple Sinai, Oakland on Purim: a Chicago Cubs fan, a fool, and a cowboy. Photo by Linda Burnett, all rights reserved.

Hard to believe that it’s almost Purim, but the festival is less than a month away. Purim spielers have been practicing for a while now to perfect their silly songs. Those who chant the megillah have been practicing its peculiar trope.

What about you? I have been so busy with winter and flu and politics that I haven’t given Purim much thought. Now that I’ve realized it is upon us, and I’m putting together my to-do list. Here it is:

  1. Mishloach manot – These are snack package to a few Jewish friends, to help them enjoy the day. I’m going to make brownies and a healthy snack mix, and send them in pretty little cloth bags.
  2. Festive meal – I’ve been sick this winter and the house is a little wild, but I’d like to have folks over for the traditional festive meal. I need to think more about that.
  3. Gifts to the Poor – Linda and I normally send a donation to the Alameda County Community Food Bank just before Purim. That donation is budgeted and ready.
  4. Hearing the Megillah – I will certainly go to the Purim program at my synagogue, and during the day I will reread and study the Book of Esther.
  5. I like to wear a silly costume, or at least a hat, on Purim. It adds to the fun for everyone. Not sure I have time for a whole costume this year, but if I’m going to wear a hat, I need to rummage around in my closet!

What’s on your to-do list for Purim?

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Rabbi Ruth Adar is a teaching rabbi in San Leandro, CA. She has many hats: rabbi, granny, and ham radio operator K6RAV. She blogs at http://coffeeshoprabbi.com/ and teaches at Jewish Gateways in Albany, CA.

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