Big Tent Judaism

Prepping for Passover

Rabbi Yitz Greenberg maintains that Passover–with its message of unyielding hope and optimism–may be the greatest gift that the Jewish people have given to the world. It is not surprising therefore that so many have adopted the Exodus journey as their standard for freedom from the rule of tyranny. But how does a family who simply yearns to share a Passover Seder transform these values into a meaningful, inclusive experience? Resources abound, and we at JOI will do our best to share some with you. This year, Jewish Lights Publishing–a publishing house of inspirational books–and Craig Taubman–a leading singer in the Jewish folk scene–have bundled two resources that should be of help: a book by Dr. Ron Wolfson called “Passover, The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration,” together with a music CD by various artists called “Celebrate Passover.” You can view this special offer here.

Jew “by injection”? - A Purim Follow-Up

The hip, irreverent weekly newspaper the New York Observer covered the Purim play that a number of JOI staffers attended last Thursday (and that we blogged about here). Besides giving a fairly accurate account of what we experienced at the event, this article also provides a new name for the spouse of another background who’s married to someone Jewish: Rob Corddry of “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” describes himself as Jewish “by injection.” We’re not exactly sure what that means, but the article points out that his wife Sandy “is, presumably, Jewish by a more traditional method.”

Happy Purim!

Purim begins tonight. It’s one of those Jewish holidays that falls into the category: “they tried to kill us, we won…let’s eat!” For this holiday it’s “let’s eat and drink,” because Purim is the only day of the year when getting drunk is rabbinically sanctioned. (Please Purim responsibly.)

If you or someone you know has never stepped foot inside a synagogue, Purim is a great introduction. People are there primarily to have fun, rather than for solemn prayers or High Holiday repentance. Most synagogue Purim celebrations are child-focused, but if you live in one of the major Jewish cities there’s a growing number of options for genuine grown-up entertainment. In the Bay Area, our friend Dawn Kepler at Building Jewish Bridges just sent her email list a huge number of options. And here in New York there’s also a wide variety of events, including a fundraiser for Hazon, the Jewish environmental group and a former JOI grantee: “The Shushan Channel” promises to tell the story of Purim by spoofing modern-day TV shows, and was written by staff writers from (and will star Rob Corddry of) “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

A Purim Smash Hit

Now this looks like fun. Aberley Gifts is selling Purim Piñatas in the shape of Haman, the story’s villain. They seem to have already sold out of the larger version. They call it a Haminata. Haminatas are handcrafted in — where else? — Mexico, and come filled or unfilled.

Usually kids just drown out Haman’s name with noisemakers during Purim synagogue services. Now they can actually beat him with a stick! (Parental supervision required, of course…;)

Purim Costumes - Recycle Halloween or Create Anew?

Growing up, when it came time for Purim there was always a big debate. Of the many traditions ensconced in this fun holiday, getting to wear a costume has always been a favorite so every year we had the debate of whether to recycle our Halloween costumes or create totally new ones. Eventually, my family collected a “Purim Box.” Within this box were ties and wigs, baggy pants and jump suits. Whenever we saw something ridiculous throughout the year, it would go in “the box.” As each of us tried to decide which costume to wear, we would have our own family fashion show to see who could put together the most ridiculous outfit. One of my fondest memories from childhood, I’ve already started to collect my own Purim box with ridiculous clothing (thank you to the 80’s) to use with my kids someday.