Big Tent Judaism

Passover and Matzah and All

Passover is my favorite time of year. Maybe it is the unspoken hope that it brings with it—a real gift to the world, especially when that world sometimes seems so dark.

Perhaps it is the anticipation of a noisy household of family and friends, gathered to savor our freedom and each other’s company. Or maybe it’s the smell of all the wonderful holiday dishes that fill our home only at this time of year. It’s no wonder why so many within the Jewish community—as well as our many invited guests — join around Seder tables throughout the world.

This is one of the reasons JOI developed the Passover in the Matzah Aisles program as part of its signature Public Space Judaism model. We want to bring Passover to the people, where they are, and especially where they shop for all of the foods special to Passover. That is why it is gratifying to learn that so many have followed our direction for Passover and for other special occasions throughout the year. This year Passover in the Aisles will take place in communities as diverse as Seattle, WA; Columbus, OH; Long Island, NY; Saratoga, CA; and Milwaukee, WI.

Look for one in your own community. And when you see an outreach worker in the grocery store, say hello and tell them “JOI sent me!”

Purim in the NY Times

There is an excellent op-ed in today’s New York Times about the Jewish holiday of Purim, in which author Jeffrey Goldberg contrasts the ancient Persia of the Biblical Book of Esther that we read on the holiday with the Persia of today, the state of Iran. He notes ironically that

ancient Persian kings tended to tolerate other gods and the men who worshipped them…

whereas today’s Middle East

is a more plausible backdrop for the sort of anti-Jewish plot outlined in the Scroll of Esther than was the Persia of antiquity, the story’s actual setting.

Happy Purim to All

Purim begins tonight.

Purim traditions include dressing up in costumes, eating, drinking, exchanging cookies, and making a lot of noise.

Because Purim is light-hearted, we at JOI have been suggesting that it provides newcomers with an easier first encounter with the synagogue then the High Holidays, which are much more somber (and costlier!).

Purim celebrates the story told in the Book of Esther. Unlike most books of the Bible, it reads a little like a fairy tale. According to the story, the foolish king Ahashuarus marries a beautiful Jewish woman named Esther. But she doesn’t tell him that she’s Jewish. Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, moves near the castle to keep an eye on her. Unfortunately, he falls afoul of Haman, the king’s evil minister. Mordecai refuses to bow down Haman, so Haman tells the king that Mordecai is a threat to the state. Moreover, he accuses the Jews of plotting to destroy the kingdom. The king obligingly agrees to have the Jews massacred. Esther foils the plot when she points out to the king that she would be among Haman’s victims.

As you can imagine, this story offers great dramatic material. A Purim play (called a Purim spiel) is a Purim tradition. So is a reading of the scroll of Esther (usually just called, the Megillah, the Scroll) at the synagogue. During the reading, people stamp their feet and wave noise-makers whenever Haman’s name is mentioned. Many people (especially children) come in costumes. (The last Purim service I attended, the cantor was dressed as a magician.) Many synagogues hold Purim carnivals for children. Families and neighbors exchange cookies, especially triangular cookies called Hamentaschen, which means Haman’s hats in German. In other words, Purim is exciting for kids and even fun for adults.

In addition to JOI’s own Purim information you may want to take a look at Judaism 101 for more information about Purim, its history, and its traditions.