Long before Bobbie McFerrin told us “don’t worry; be happy,” the Mishnah told us “Be Happy; It’s Adar!” Young and old are encouraged to plan fun costumes and to be ready to make noise as together we recall the story of the Book of Esther, drowning out the name of the wicked prime minister Haman. We are to give gifts of food to friends and make sure we give tzedakah so all can truly enjoy a Purim feast.
Our ancestors realized that we need to be shaken out of our routines and encouraged to have some fun. The customs of Purim offer us such a joyous pause even as they remind us that it is not enough to enjoy ourselves; we must reach out and engage others, as well, sharing the joy with friends and even those we do not know. It is the essence of community building as we come together for joy, not crisis.
Following the Mishnah’s advice to be happy, when my children still lived at home, the end of our celebration of the trees was a signal that baking season needed to begin. Sated with fruits and nuts, paper and pencils in hand, we began compiling the shalach manot list – the list of those to whom we planned to deliver gifts of sweet foods on Purim.
Along with the list of names, we developed a second list as we dreamed up new fillings for the middle of our hamantashen cookies. I made dough a few times each week and as we had time we’d shape and bake a few dozen – taste testing as we went along.
Between baking sessions the kids would be off planning costumes and decorating boxes or bags, and I’d be hunting for bargains to add to the Purim gift baskets – chocolates (do you sense a theme here), nuts, raisins, and granola bars all found their way into my shopping cart. We laughed, sang, and made merry as we prepared for the holiday. By the time Purim came, dozens of baskets were ready to be tagged and delivered so we set off, happily living in the rhythm of Jewish time.
This week’s parsha begins with Moses being told to provide Aaron and his sons the exacting details of priestly work. They were taught exactly how to do the sacrifices, down to the clothing they would wear and how each portion of the sacrifice must be handled. They were taught they were responsible for the work from start to finish.
While not nearly as much fun as shalach manot preparation, as Aaron and his sons learned and worked together family and community traditions were established. Having worked side by side, when Aaron became too old to do certain tasks, his sons would be ready to take them on. They knew the steps of the rituals and had the “costumes,” since they had worked side by side with their father.
Our rich Jewish tradition still offers so many opportunities for family learning and living. Preparing and sharing shalach manot, cleaning for Passover, cooking for and savoring Shabbat, engaging in social action, and saving and distributing tzedakah are just a few of the many ways we can joyously live an active Jewish life, passing on traditions as we do so.
May our days be enriched by the joys we share.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
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