Purim

Purim

Purim Hamantaschen and Purim Players - The JCC of Greater Pittsburgh (JCCPGH) (2021)

As the virtual Purim celebration began, the Zoom screen filled with costumed families. Together families rolled, cut, and filled dough to make hamantaschen while talking about the mitzvot and traditions of Purim. After adults put the hamantaschen in the oven, the JCCPGH lead families in an interactive and participatory Purim shpiel. The goal was to create a long-lasting, fun memory of Purim.

Purim Celebration - The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ) (2021)

The program included a Megillah reading, festive feast, costume competition, Mishloach Manot (Purim basket) parcel delivery, and discussion of the value of friendship. The service and other elements of the Purim celebration were only for registered participants (who were all Russian-speaking interfaith individuals).

“We deeply appreciate the grants awarded by NCEJ for this purpose and we have received strong positive feedback from families who feel more connected to Judaism and more educated as a result.”
- Tamar Roig

Watch the video from the Seder that Rabbi Grisha held for his congregation in Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv here.

Virtual Purim Schmooze and Hamantaschen Bake - Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) (2021)

WRJ hosted two online Purim “Schmoozes” /hamentashen bake sessions, to accommodate women from different time zones. In the first part of the program the participants learned about the holiday, and how to bake hamantaschen. Following the programming, the women went into smaller Zoom rooms and had a chance to learn from each other.

Purim - Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Tallinn, Estonia (2021)

Prior to the holiday, all families were invited to participate in a “Secret Mordechai” activity – an online lottery that determined who would deliver real-life Mishloach Manot (holiday baskets) to whom. Young children and their parents were able to celebrate Purim outdoors and in person, with a costume parade, games and dances. The JCC’s youth club also enjoyed being outdoors together for a scavenger hunt that had youth counselors, dressed as characters from the Purim story, giving youngsters clues for locating a “lost” Megilla.

Box of Joy - The Buffalo Jewish Federation (2022)

Box of Joy is a box of Purim content designed specifically for multi-faith families where at least one family member does not identify as Jewish. Jewish Buffalo provided similar boxes to families for other Jewish holidays. The kits will contain a variety of items, including a bracelet & bells craft connecting Purim and feminism, a megillah scroll, a grogger, a hamentaschen project, Afghan spices to create a Mishloach Manot (Purim gift package) for a local Afghan evacuee family, and educational materials.

“This project will allow our professionals to connect with these families, building bridges to deeper Jewish connections.”
- Mike Steklof

The Federation will hold an outdoor pickup event for families to pick up their boxes. The staff have found this to be a great way to meet new families in a covid-safe way. Families who cannot attend the pickup event will have their boxes delivered.

Based on feedback from many in Buffalo, the Federation will not be holding any online events, since many families have indicated that they are “zoomed out”. The professional & volunteer teams will reach out to families individually during and after Purim, provide assistance with the activities in the box and find ways to connect them with Jewish Buffalo.

Marketing: The program will be promoted through email communications, text messages, peer networking, social media, and one-on-one outreach from the professional team.

The kits enable families to celebrate Purim at home using curated materials.

Purim Palooza - Sid Jacobson JCC, NY (2025)

The Sid Jacobson JCC’s Department for Jewish Life, Center for Israel, and Israeli Scouts will collaborate on an afternoon of Purim celebration. Lauren Chizner, the Director of Jewish Life, says “Purim, one of the most joyous and festive holidays in Judaism, offers a unique opportunity to engage with and learn about Jewish customs and rituals in an accessible and welcoming manner.” Participants will be able to make hamentashen, hear the story of Purim, and sing Purim songs. Through the Israeli Scouts, they will also learn about Purim from an Israeli perspective.

“Celebrated with costumes, lively storytelling, and communal feasting and fun, this holiday not only highlights themes of resilience and community but also provides a perfect entry point for individuals of all backgrounds to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of Jewish traditions.”

Marketing: The program will be promoted through JCC publicity as well as on social media pages that reach community members across Nassau County.

Experiencing Purim Traditions: The Director of Jewish Life will create a “Guide to Celebrating Purim.” Families will learn about the custom of distributing Shalach Manot packages, and at the conclusion of the event, each family will leave with a small Shalach Manot bag, in addition to hamentashen.