Shalom Everyone,
HAPPY PURIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This year it would be really easy to feel bad on Purim. One year ago, the day after Purim, the world shut down. Last night we had megillah reading in shul, and instead of 500 people having fun in costume, there were a total of 7 people in shul, with everyone else on Zoom or Livestream. Instead of a huge Purim carnival, we have a Zoom kids' concert and program. Instead of multiple performances of a big-Purim-Shpiel production, there was a 7 minute clip. Instead of big Purim Seudas with friends and family, we are alone in our homes. Now, even though everything we did and are doing this year is great given the circumstance, it can all feel lacking. BUT!!!!! (yes, with exclamation marks) BUT!!!! there is a secret to Purim.
Ve'na'ha'foch Hu (Esther 9:1) - It all flipped! In the Purim story, the plans of Haman got flipped on his own head. Haman's plan to hang Mordechai ended with Haman being hung. Haman's plan to wipe out our Jewish nation, ended with his supporters being defeated by us.
On Purim, we all have a special power to flip the script. Whatever you see in life as "wrong" - Ve'na'ha'foch Hu! Flip the script and see how, even in this very moment, that "wrong" is actually exactly right. On Purim, we can start telling ourselves a different story!
As a community, our goal is to strive to support each other in every way. If you need an ear to listen, help finding resources or other support your family needs, please don't hesitate to reach out. It is so important that we take care of our mental and physical health and your Beth Emeth community is here for you.
Beyond that, we are working dilligently to provide as many social and educational opportunities as possible for the broadest demographic range possible.
FLYERS FOR ALL UPCOMING PROGRAMS BELOW! (For programs from the broader Beth Emeth Community, visit the Beth Emeth website: www.beby.org.)
We are also looking to create NEXTgen teams of volunteers who are looking to make things happen for the benefit of their friends, families, and our community in general. If you are interested in getting involved, pease let me know!
CHECK OUT THE BETH EMETH LIVESTREAM AND JOIN US VIRTUALLY FOR SERVICES EVERY SHABBAT @ https://www.beby.org/stream-services.html
For more information about what is happening check out www.beby.org.
SHABBAT SHALOM and PURIM SAMEIACH!!!
Rabbi David,
Director of Ritual and NEXTgen Community
rabbidavid@beby.org