Is Purim about the hidden and the revealed? About the solemn task of using power wisely? About communal celebration? About the rights of Jews and of women? A deadly serious grown-up holiday, or a fun and frivolous day of festivities for children?
A copy of the point-counterpoint reading Ma'yan used in its first Purim celebration. The text includes selections from the Megillah, commentary by Susan Schnur, five songs by Liz Swados, an appeal for women living under the Taliban, and the unrolling of a scroll with stories of how women celebrate Purim in 127 countries. [more]
Esther fasted and asked all the people to join her in her fast before she approached the king. Norma Josephs suggest we use Esther's fast as an opportunity to collectively protest the injustice done to women unable to obtain a Jewish divorce (get). [more]
A copy of the point-counterpoint reading Ma'yan used in its first Purim celebration. The text includes selections from the Megillah, commentary by Susan Schnur, songs by Liz Swados, an appeal for women living under the Taliban, and the unrolling of a scroll with stories of how women celebrate Purim in 127 countries. [more]
Traditionally, four verses of the Megillah highlighting Mordecai's role are read aloud by the entire congregation during the Megillah reading. The author describes a new practice in her women's prayer group in Yeruham, Israel of adding four parallel verses highlighting Esther's triumph. [more]
When the Megillah is read publicly on Purim, four verses about Mordechai are read aloud by the congregation before the reader. The author explains the origin of this custom and suggests four additional verses to celebrate Esther's heroism. [more]
