The joy and mitzvot of Purim
Purim is a joyous holiday in February/March celebrating the salvation of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them in ancient Persia, as told in the Biblical Book of Esther. It is commemorated by festive meals, wearing costumes and giving gifts of food and charity.
The Purim celebration at Temple Emanu-El in Providence reflects the mitzvot of Purim and serves as education and community-building for children and families, embracing a multigenerational audience. The Purim spiel, a highlight of the Purim celebration at Temple Emanu-El, is a comedic musical dramatization of the Book of Esther.
Four leaders at Temple Emanu-El share their thoughts:
Rabbi Michael Fel: Senior Rabbi
Temple Emanu-El's celebration of Purim allows its members to fulfill the holiday's mitzvot while also building an inclusive and welcoming Jewish community. From blotting out Haman’s name during the Megillah reading, to sharing mishloah manot with friends, to supporting those in need through matanot la’evyonim, to enjoying a Purim festive meal, each sacred obligation invites people to experience joy in a different and meaningful way. We recognize that people connect in diverse ways, so we offer multiple entry points: attending the spiel, dancing at the ’80s party, assembling mishloah manot packages or making gifts to those in need. Our goal is that every person can find their place, participate fully and share in the joy of the holiday together.
Rebecca Frank Oeser: Purim Spiel Director
At its core, a Purim spiel has always been an act of creative reinterpretation. For centuries, Jewish communities have taken the narrative of Esther and reframed it through satire, parody and contemporary references. This year’s production continues that lineage – allowing audiences to enter the narrative through something familiar and beloved. Peeking at the Book of Esther as it unfolds on the yellow brick road and causes chaos in Oz creates an opportunity for the ancient text to feel immediate, playful and accessible. The process of making theater itself becomes the teaching tool. Purim’s themes are not only performed; they are practiced.
Sharon Sock: Congregant Relationship Specialist
Our Purim programming is intentionally designed to create multiple entry points so that every member of our community can find a way to celebrate that feels meaningful and joyful. From family-friendly activities and religious observance to our adults-only ’80s Purim Party, each program reflects our commitment to connection and belonging across generations. The Purim party, in particular, is a wonderful example of how we engage adults through shared nostalgia, music and humor while still grounding the evening in the spirit of Purim. We aim to create opportunities for friendships to form and for long-time and newer members alike to feel part of something vibrant and communal.
Rachel Cohn: Director of Youth Education & Engagement
The Purim carnival is a joyful celebration, but it is also intentionally designed as a powerful moment of education and community-building. Education is woven into the experience in playful and accessible ways. Games like “Haman’s Fall,” “Pin the Crown on King Achashverosh,” and “Toss a Gift to Queen Esther,” bring characters from the Book of Esther story’s characters to life, while “Connect the 4 Mitzvot” helps demonstrates the four central mitzvot. Purim can be wonderfully high-energy, so we provide noise-reducing headphones and a quieter space for younger children or anyone who needs a break from the festivities.
PATRICIA RASKIN, owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is an award-winning radio producer, business owner and leader. She has served on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence. Her “Positive Living with Patricia Raskin” podcast can be heard on voiceamerica.com.
Keywords
Patricia Raskin, Healthy Living, Purim, Temple Emanu-El
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