Scene from 2023 Purim celebration. Courtesy photo

BY RABBI JACK SHLACHTER
Los Alamos Jewish Center

In a year where we’ve seen an unprecedented rise in antisemitism (or Jew hatred) both in this country and around the world, it may be difficult for Jews to get into the mood for the celebration of the minor and typically somewhat raucous holiday of Purim.  The horrific Hamas atrocities of October 7 are still uppermost in our minds, and we mourn the tragedy of yet another war which, like all wars, is resulting in the deaths of innocent people. Yet Jews, and all people, need to find joy – even if that joy is a bit tempered.  Indeed, Jews are commanded to be joyous on Purim, which begins this year on Saturday night, March 23, and ends on the following evening. 

Purim observances include a public reading of the Book of Esther, exchange of gifts of food to friends, distribution of charity to the poor, and a festive meal.  The story of Esther (cheer), Esther’s uncle Mordechai (yeah!), King Ahasuerus, the deposed queen Vashti, and evil Haman (booo), is much like a melodrama, and audience participation during the reading is encouraged; noisemakers are even distributed to ensure that the villain’s name is drowned out each time it is mentioned.  Attendees of all ages often come in costume, either linked to characters in the story or to modern figures. 

The Los Alamos Jewish Center will hold an evening service with a reading of the Book of Esther on Saturday, March 23.  The evening starts with pizza dinner at 5:30, followed by the service at approximately 6:15 pm. Adults as well as children are encouraged to come in costume. All Jews and their families and friends, whether members of the Los Alamos Jewish Center or not, are invited to participate in these activities and rejoice even while we continue to pray for peace.