Temple Beth El
Executive Director’s Message
Dear Friends,
Since this article is for "the bulletin" we have to be sure to let our readers know what to look forward to in March, and going forward.
We will observe Purim on Wednesday March 20th at Temple. We are having a hot dog supper with all the fixings – potato salad, coleslaw, beans and more followed by the reading of the Megillah.
Purim, a holiday that recognizes Esther as our heroine, is a story of romance, loyalty, faith and courage. As in much of our history, we are assured that despite oppression and anti-Semitism the prevailing tyrant in this case Haman, will ultimately be overthrown.
Purim is a holiday of feasting, costumes, masks, gaiety, noise from the groggers, hat shaped cookies – reminders of Haman's three cornered hat – filled with fruit and poppy seeds, gifts and goodies as directed in the Megillah.
Pious Jews fast on the day before Purim to honor Esther, who did not eat for three days before visiting with the King, who she was seeing without being invited. Purim is the only time a Jew is allowed to get so 'high' that he literally "does not know" the difference between cursed Haman and blessed Mordeca – this is known as Adeloyada – the gay quality of Purim.
Did you know Esther's Hebrew name was Hadassah? The Woman's National Zionist Organization, which came into existence on Purim and was named for her. Purim never falls on the Sabbath and God's name is never mentioned in the Megillah.
\If Purim is in March can Passover be far behind – almost one month from the day of Purim is the 1st Seder, Friday night April 19. April 19 is also the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. We must pay attention to observe the sweetness and the sadness of those days. We will have a joint Seder with Temple Emanu-El on April 19.
If you check your calendar you will also see that Sunday March 10th is the start of Daylight Savings Time, and Purim is on the first day of Spring. Now I've caught all of us up on some important dates in all our lives.
Please keep in mind the pleasure of participating in Temple Beth El's Centennial Celebration on October 25 and 26. 100 years is special, everyone is welcome to share our Simcha. We will keep you informed in future bulletins.
Happy Spring and Shalom,
Mundy