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, 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]
In this revised tradition, we read aloud four Megillah verses highlighting Esther's triumph alongside the customary four highlighting Mordechai's role. [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]
This essay explores the Purim story from a feminist perspective, and discusses Ma'yan's new ritual of waving Esther/Vashti flags during the Megillah reading whenever the heroines' names are mentioned. [more]
