Focus on the Fun
Newsletter February 27, 2023 Together, we're #keepingitsacred... Why are you Jewish? People might share that it is because of the Holocaust and they don't want the Nazis to win. Some might share that it is because of the family. But others would answer: Because it is fun! And, the fun is deeply meaningful.
Take the holiday of Purim for example. It is a holiday where we dress up in costumes, considering what our lives might have looked like had they been arranged in a different way. It is a ton of fun!
But why do we do it? Because of the wonderful story of Queen Esther (If you haven't read it, I encourage you to read the 10 chapters in one sitting right through-- you will thank me! Either the traditional one or the Emoji one, both HERE).
At the beginning of the book, Esther was a simple orphan girl, and by then end of it, she has become Queen-- a queen that influences her King and saves the entire Jewish people from an evil decree. The Jewish people uplift the tradition of celebrating Queen Esther and her strength of purpose, her fortitude, and her courage. After all, she had to come out to her husband/King, that she was actually Jewish to convince him to save her people.
I love that from this story we learn many things: -Life can change on a dime, -Never discount ANYONE, -There is power in coming out and courageously being your true self, -AND MORE!
Purim is a time for feasting and merrymaking. Of showing love for one another through gifts of food, money, and this year we will make blankets for LA's LGBT Center teens, celebrating their coming out and encouraging their wellness. This year we will also be led in a colorful text study on Stereotypes of Jewish Women led by the "Hot Pink" Rabbi Rose Durbin.
So, dress up, eat Hamantaschen, spin a grogger, and have some fruit of the vine! Focus on the fun of Purim, and the meaning that grounds it. Always grounding our joy with sacred purpose.
Together, we're #keepingitsacred… Rabbi Heather Miller Founder, Keeping It Sacred |
The above is an excerpt from a Keeping It Sacred newsletter. If you want to read the entire newsletter or any from our archives, please head over to: keepingitsacred.com/news And if you'd like the newsletter delivered to your inbox every week, please share your name and email address in the fields at the bottom of the page in the purple boxes. Thanks for your interest, and thanks for #keepingitsacred… |