By Heidi Gantwerk
SAN DIEGO — Every year, no matter how busy our lives are, my husband and I make time to sit down with our talented writing partners and a cast and crew of dozens to write, produce and perform an elaborate, some might say slightly over-the-top, Purimspiel at our synagogue. Every year we write it in ways that bring in as many people as we can. Clergy, staff, teachers, lay leaders, and children all have a role to play, literally and figuratively, in retelling this ancient story.
Star Wars, the disco revolution, pandemic binge-watching, Mickey Mouse, the Oompa-Loompas, Lizzo, the Real Housewives, the Wizard of Oz, Cardi B, the Pink Panther, Shakespeare, Moana, Sarah Palin, Fiddler on the Roof, Yoda and more have all found their way into our annual spiels. There are big dance numbers, powerhouse ballads, and sing-alongs, and tons of audience participation. They take work, but they are pure joy for everyone involved. And they bring joy (and sometimes, I admit, a little confusion) to the hundreds more who attend, in costume, swinging groggers for Haman and cheering for Esther and Mordecai.
These last six months, for me and for so many of us, have been unlike any time I can remember, and some days joy seems distant. Every Jewish communal professional I know, along with all of us at Federation, have been going non-stop since October 7, just like many other members of our community. And we are focusing, rightly, on our support for and defense of Israel, and our response to the rise in antisemitism. All critical and deeply meaningful work to be sure. But not necessarily joyful.
As we head into Purim this weekend, I am reminded that being Jewish is a gift; one that has so much to offer and brings such meaning and purpose to my life. It can also bring so much joy. So, this year, although I’m stretched, stressed and wildly busy, it feels more important than ever to make room for joy. And that is what Purim does, and the month of Adar. It makes room for, even mandates joy. It is one of the many things I love about being Jewish; that finding room for joy and celebrating simchas is required!
As I contemplate my costume for this year’s spiel, I think back to my childhood costumes – always Vashti, the defiant queen. (Some things never change!) I was always so excited to dress up for our Megillah reading and Purim carnival, where somehow, I managed to win a goldfish every year, always to my parents’ dismay. I look back at the pictures of my own sons, dressed over the years as Haman, the King, Batman, Spiderman, Annakin Skywalker and a Hamantaschen, and I so clearly remember their excitement and how much they loved sharing this holiday with their friends.
I hope whether you find yourselves in costume, handing out tickets at a Purim Carnival, chanting or listening to the Megillah reading, delivering or receiving Mishloach Manot (Purim gift baskets) or simply enjoying your favorite Hamantaschen recipe, that you find joy in our tradition this Purim, and every day.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Purim Sameach!
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Heidi Gantwerk is the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego.