Tzipporah Gindi
The Hebrew month of Adar is here and joy is in the air. As the festive holiday of Purim approaches, preparation is in order. It’s time to prepare mishloahmanot baskets for friends and family, set aside money for matanotl’evyonim, get some costumes for the big and little ones alike, and make a menu for the beautiful Purim seudah. And when Purim finally comes around, be sure to remember what a holy and exceptional day it truly is, so we can grab this once-a-year amazing opportunity for prayer and inspiration.
MISHLOAH MANOT
In the weeks preceding Purim, Jews across the globe become occupied with preparing mishloahmanot baskets, bags or boxes in order to fulfill the mitzvah of giving “gifts” to at least one other person on Purim day.
Before you begin preparing your mishloah manot, make a list of all family members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues that you would like to give to on Purim. Then go to the nearest dollar store and buy enough baskets, bags, or boxes, and at least two foods to include. And don’t forget to make colorful labels with your family name so your recipients know the mishloah manot is from you and your bunch.
The purpose of giving mishloahmanot is to fulfill the mitzvah and to strengthen the warm bonds of camaraderie among Jews. So there is no need to spend an inordinate amount of time or money on your mishloahmanot. If you are the creative type, or your kids really enjoy coming up with themes and putting together bags, then shop and stuff to your heart’s delight. But before you overdo it, remember that two items and a nice presentation for at least one person is all that is required.
GIFTS TO THE POOR
While we are running around giving mishloahmanot to our neighbors and relatives, it is imperative not to forget those who are in need. So if you are approached by a poor person on Purim, give as much as you can, with a warm smile and an outstretched hand. Involve your children in this special mitzvah of giving money to the poor on Purim day.
HIDDEN BEHIND THE MASK
We dress up on Purim to symbolize the fact that Hashem, in His infinite kindness, orchestrated the salvation of the Jewish people under the guise of nature, as events that appeared coincidental were, in fact, specifically arranged and caused by our Father in Heaven.
Children love to wear costumes. You can go to any party store or Purim store to choose from an adorable and colorful selection of policeman, firefighter, clown, or bumblebee gear. To really bring the Purim story to life, dress your children up as people mentioned in the Megillah, from Queen Esther to Mordechai. Adults can wear colorful hats, scarves or a fun necklace to get in the spirit.
SEUDAT PURIM
It is advisable to prepare the menu and begin cooking for the Purim seudah (feast) in advance, so you can enjoy Purim day and take advantage of all the special opportunities it has to offer.
The Purim feast is unlike any other in the Jewish year. In addition to delicious food and wine, the meal is characterized by its fun and happy atmosphere – horns tooting, silly antics, and grown men singing and dancing together for hours on end.
The seudah is one of the most central aspects of Purim day, during which we celebrate the deliverance of the Jewish nation from the hands of the evil Haman. So this year, spend some time planning this pivotal event with a concoction of key ingredients that will make it an experience to remember.
DINING ROOM DÉCOR
Transform your dining room from the everyday table surrounded by chairs into a themed wonderland that will enhance the Purim festivities. You can dress the table in complementary colors. Blue and gold work when aiming for a majestic feel, while black and white are perfect for a fresh, modern look.
The usual floral centerpieces are a beautiful and comfortable focal point. For a refreshing and Purim-like change, opt for candy filled glass vases (jelly beans or taffies work well!). Be sure to set the table well in advance, so you are free to enjoy Purim day, and fulfill your mishloah manot and Megillah obligations.
If you really want to get into the spirit and tap into your creative facilities, you can match your children’s costumes to the seudah theme. If you turn your dining room into a royal palace, your children might be thrilled to dress up as Queen Esther or Mordechai.
WELCOME ALL!
An open-door policy is the norm on Purim. Dancing yeshiva boys, friends bearing mishloah manot, and grandparents coming to see how adorable the kids look are likely to be behind that ringing doorbell over the course of the day. With each guest who walks through your front door, the natural Syrian-mom inclination to offer a seat and food to eat may grow ever stronger. Since you don’t know when or how many people will stop in, it is a good idea to have a few extra chairs and a spare assortment of kibbeh handy for the throngs of celebrants that might be flocking to your home.
DRINK RESPONSIBLY
One or two bottles of wine are a necessary part of the Purim feast. Decide between sweet, dry, or bubbly, based on what will best complement your meal. Just a note of caution: wine will be on the table as it is appropriate to drink on Purim (within limits), but be careful to drink responsibly and keep all liquor away from youngsters. And, of course, never, never let any of your guests drive home if he or she has drunk alcohol. Even – or especially – on Purim, safety must be our highest priority to ensure that the day is exactly what it is supposed to be – happy, joyous, and festive.
POWER OF A PURIM PRAYER
Purim is one of the holiest days of the year, and thus the opportunity for prayer on Purim is incredibly powerful. Purim gets extremely hectic, so it takes concentrated effort to make some private time for an audience with Hashem. Set aside as much time as you can for sincere, heartfelt prayer. Also, Ta’anit Ester is a powerful day for prayer. There is so much to beseech Hashem for. Pray for health, peace, safety, and the coming of Mashiah in a peaceful and joyous way.
May the Jewish nation be worthy of beholding miracles in our times, just as we witnessed during the times of Mordechai and Ester, amen.