A Message from Our Rabbi
February 24, 2021

Purim is a unique holiday in many respects. The Book of Esther is the only biblical book in which God is not mentioned. Purim is viewed as a minor festival according to Jewish custom, but has been elevated to a major holiday as a result of the Jewish historical experience. Over the centuries, Haman has come to symbolize every anti-Semite in every land where Jews were oppressed. The significance of Purim lies not so much in how it began, but in what it has become: a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival. And unlike in many places within our sacred texts, the Purim story is one of the few examples that feature women playing an essential role in the narrative, ensuring the survival of the Jewish people and building a more just world.

As we celebrate Purim week at M’kor Shalom, we have two wonderful and family-friendly Purim events coming up!

Thursday, February 25, 7:00 pm
Purim Shpiel: “Pandemic in Persia” premieres on YouTube, featuring our teen shpielers! Directed by: Cantor Harrison, Mark Pinzur, Bruce Matez, Gaby Fish, Susan Gates, & Jason Richek.

Friday, February 26, 6:30 pm
Purim “Dis-service” Shabbat Mishpacha
A fun-for-all-ages celebration of Shabbat and Purim all rolled into one zoom service! Wear a costume (kids AND adults), have a noise-maker nearby (a grogger, a box of pasta to shake, etc), and get ready to sing, play, pray, and join in the fun right from the comfort of your own home! (Zoom; click HERE for our Shabbat siddur)

Shabbat morning, I will be leading Torah Study beginning at 9:00 am, and Carl Viniar will be leading our Spice Up Your Judaism session at 10:15 am. (Zoom for both study sessions)

Saturday evening at 7:30 pm is our Congregational Membership Event Name That Tune - it’s free to join, but please make sure you pre-register to receive the Zoom link.

Chag Purim Sameach! 
Wishing you all a very happy and joy-filled Purim!

Rabbi Jennifer L. Frenkel