by Dana Rubin‑Winkelman MSW, CAPSW, Social Worker, Adult Day Services
I hope you and your family are well. I am thinking of you and sending my positive thoughts. I hope to bridge the distance through this electronic connection.
These are turbulent times, and many of us have issues weighing heavily on our minds and hearts. March, however, brings with it the delightful holiday of Purim- a holiday known for joy and festivity. However, it may be difficult to celebrate a jubilant holiday when we are thinking about concerns in America and abroad. I turned to Rabbi Steven Adams, Director of Pastoral Care for Ovation Communities, for additional understanding and meaning. He said, “To be Jewish is to maintain hope, even in the direst moments. Sometimes, that hope is expressed in serious ways, but often, we Jews use humor as a way to cope. Purim describes Jews facing an existential threat, yet in the end, we prevailed due to the courage of Esther and Mordecai. Purim is one of the Jewish holidays that can be summed up in 9 words: “They tried to kill us. We won. Let’s eat.” And so, we celebrate the ultimate victory of good over evil, renewing our faith in the future as we laugh and celebrate.”
Today, let’s uncover Purim’s fantastic customs and permit ourselves to smile and laugh. I have also included (17!) links, a little bilingual brain health, and information about the Spring 2025 Election. Let’s jump in and fill our souls with Purim’s joyful energy!
“Happy Purim!”
“Chag Purim Sameach!” (Hebrew)
A “Freilechen Purim!” (Yiddish)
PURIM- ENJOY THE CUSTOMS AND THE LAUGHTER:
1. Brush up on the Tale of Queen Esther: Held on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, the happy holiday of Purim commemorates the day Esther, Queen of Persia, and her cousin Mordechai saved the Jewish people from execution from Haman, the advisor to the Persian King (King Ahashverosh). This year, Purim begins on the evening of March 13 and ends on the evening of March 14. This dramatic tale also has deep underlying meaning, lessons, and intrigue- all wrapped up with a wonderful message of Jewish survival. Click here to read the entire story.
2. Delight in Meaningful Customs: Put more light into the world and connect with others through these beautiful customs:
- Listen to the Megillah Reading (or The Book of Esther): Traditionally, Jews gather in synagogues and communally read the Book of Esther out loud, retelling the story of Purim. Get ready…this isn’t an ordinary service! Adults and children dress in costume and have groggers (noise makers) that loudly rattle. Since we abhor evil Hamen, it is customary to boo, hiss, stomp your feet and rattle your grogger loudly to “blot out the name of Hamen.” The holiday is more informal and noisier. Have fun!
- Eat a Festive Meal: Make a feast that is fit for a queen like Esther or even yourself! In fact, why not wear a tiara while you enjoy your meal! It’s Purim- everyone’s doing it! Check out Jaime Geller’s 14 colorful Purim side dishes to add color and fun to your table!
- Mishloach Manot (or Shalach Manot): Traditionally, at this time of year, we send gifts of food to friends and family. They are often presented in baskets or gift bags and contain at least two different types of food, including hamantaschen. Mishloach Manot also includes a wide variety of foods, and some Mishloach Manot even have a theme (like Israeli, Mexican, or American). This beautiful mitzvah is a way to show love, friendship, and connection. Watch this clip about 12 creative Michloach Manot baskets. Watch to the end; it’s hysterical! (PS: Please do not consider the last options!)
- Send Gifts to Those in Need: This is also called Matonot La’evyonim. Although you certainly do not need a holiday to help those in need, this is another beautiful Purim tradition. There are many wonderful organizations to give tzedukah (charity) to. Give to your favorite, or consider supporting the Jewish Community Pantry. The Jewish Community Pantry provides “emergency food to individuals and families in crisis throughout the greater Milwaukee community.”
- Eat Hamantaschen Cookies: Purim has its own special cookie called hamentaschen. Named after evil Hamen, the King’s advisor who wanted to kill the Jews, this triangular-shaped cookie is symbolic and quite delicious! The unique shape represents Hamen’s hat or his ears. Traditional cookies are usually shortbread, and the center is filled with poppy seeds or sweet fruit (like apricots, figs, prunes, or berry). However, there are more unusual fillings and recipes. I guess anything counts if it’s a triangular shape! Check out this website for 32 crazy hamantaschen recipes. For example, try caramel apple hamentaschen, white chocolate and cherry hamentaschen, coffee cake hamantaschen, or even French soup hamantaschen! Who knew?? Me…I am sticking to my traditional poppy seed filling. Oh, I love it so! If you are interested in a more traditional bent, check out our family’s recipe: a five-star buttery hamantaschen recipe from Tori Avey. The dough is rich with a hint of orange.
3. Watch the Hysterically Intellectual “Latke-Hamantash Debate”: Many moons ago, when I was first married and lived in Chicago, I worked at The University of Chicago Hillel Center as the Assistant Director. One of my responsibilities was to coordinate the cherished “Latke-Hamantash Debate.” This is an intentionally humorous academic debate about the merits of the latke (a potato pancake traditionally eaten during Chanukah) or the hamantaschen (the triangular cookie eaten during Purim). The debate originated at the University of Chicago in 1946 and has been held annually. Amazingly, even Nobel Prize winners have joined in the jest! If you have never watched this ridiculous, brainy symposium, I recommend checking it out. Click here to watch (all or part) of a previous debate.
4. Try Lighthearted Bilingual Brain Health: Can you speak another language? Scientists are unlocking the secrets of the bilingual brain and are learning that there are many cognitive benefits. Did you know that speaking another language may prevent or delay dementia and other age-related cognitive problems? In my family, three of my four grandparents were born in Europe and spoke multiple languages fluently, including Yiddish. Yiddish is a colorful language that is often filled with nuance and joy. Although I am not fluent, I know a few words here and there. Below are my favorite lively Yiddish words that start with the letter “F.” (PS: Since this is a “G” rated e-newsletter, I left a few words out.) Practice and/or learn these words, and of course, laugh as you recall saying them.
- Ferklempt (pronounced “fur-klempt”): This is an adjective to describe someone who is unable to speak because of emotion or is choked up. This phrase was made popular from the hysterical Saturday Night Live skit called “Coffee Talk.” Click here for a (25-second) clip.
- Farblonged (pronounced “farb-lawn-jet”): This is an adjective that describes the state of aimlessly wandering or being lost (or confused) and unsure where to turn to next.
- Farmished (pronounced “fa-mished”): This adjective means mixed up, confused, stressed-out, or crazy. I use this word often! (This is not related to the English word spelled the same way.)
- Farshtinka (pronounced “far-shtunk-en “): This adjective means stinking. (This is a fabulously descriptive word; we use it a lot in my family.)
- Fartik (pronounced “far-tig”): This means finished or done and can be used as an exclamation or a question. Examples: Fartik! Glad that’s done! Fartik? Are you finished yet?
- Farputzed (pronounced “fa-putst”): This means all dolled up, all gussied up. Click here for Mayim Bialik’s charming 15-second explanation.
5. Fill Your Heart With Joyful Music: Feel the joy with these Jewish and secular tunes!
- The Maccabeats Purim Song: Click here to hear this delightful song of joy and hope! Click here for the (4-minute) video.
- “Bie Mir Bist Du Schon (Means That You’re Grand)” by The Andrews Sisters: Since I am in the Yiddish mood, I am sharing this Anglicized version of a song from the Yiddish theater; it became a massive hit! Released in 1937. Click here for the (3-minute) audio.
- Purim Parody of the song “Popular” (from the musical “Wicked”) titled “Favorite” – words by Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen of Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles: Rabbi Cohen creates a little magic with this wonderful Purim parody. Starring Rabbi Jaclyn Cohen as Mordechai/Glenda and Cantor Randall Schloss as Esther/Elphaba. Click here and smile at this (5-minute) video.
- Helen Reddy’s “I am Woman”: Remember Esther and other women’s courage and strength in this empowering tune. Helen Reddy’s anthem is timeless and will never fade. Even 50+ years later, it is still inspiring! The lyrics are posted on the video, so sing them loud and like you mean it! Click here for the (3-minute) video.
- “El Diya De Purim” by Susan Gaeta: “Susan Gaeta is a Master Artist at Virginia Humanities and an important member of a new generation of musicians who are exploring the varied traditions of Sephardic music. Susan lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for eight years, where she performed classic jazz and traditional Argentine folk songs.” (Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History) Click here and enjoy her (2-minute) audio.
6. Vote on April 1st: Our Spring 2025 Election will significantly impact our state. Elect officials who share your values.
- Do you have a mail-in ballot? Please send it back immediately and follow up to ensure it was received. Also, make sure your friends and family do the same.
- Need more information about the election? Click here.
- Need a ride or want to volunteer for Free Rides to the Polls? Great! Click on the website and call the incredible organization called Souls to the Polls. Click here for more information, and call the Free Ride Hotline at 414-742-1060.
7. Stand With Israel- Speak Out Against Anti-Israel and Jewish Hate: Let’s draw strength from the story of Purim and Esther’s courage. Actor David Schwimmer said, “You don’t have to say anything political; no one’s asking you to solve the conflict in the Middle East. Just say that you stand with your Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbors against hatred and discrimination.” Bring Israel into your thoughts with this prayer by The Maccabeats: Avinu Shebashamayim – A Prayer for the Welfare for the State of Israel.
“Live your life with so much joy that it overflows into the lives of others.” (author unknown)
Wishing you a wonderful Purim! I hope the holiday fills you with joy and meaning. Do you have a question related to aging, memory loss, community resources, or caregiving? I am here and happy to assist! Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thinking of you and sending all my positive energy, light, and love,
Dana
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