Sholom is proud to be the only Jewish senior living community in Minnesota, and honor our traditions and holidays such as our upcoming Purim celebration at Sholom.
For our non-Jewish residents, friends, and neighbors, Purim is one of the most joyous celebrations in the Jewish tradition, marking a momentous miracle from the Book of Esther, where Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai saved the Jewish people from the evil plot of Haman, the wicked prime minister of Persia. This fun and festive holiday is filled with vibrant traditions, and at Sholom, we celebrate Purim with joy, creativity, and a deep sense of community.
What is Purim?
Purim is a celebration of survival and deliverance, where we remember how the Jewish people were saved from Haman’s evil plot more than 2,000 years ago. On this day, we gather to read the Megillah(Scroll of Esther), a story of courage, faith, and divine intervention.
The Purim story is celebrated with several joyful traditions:
- Reading the Megillah: The Scroll of Esther is read aloud, both at night and the next morning. Every time the name “Haman” is mentioned, the audience shakes a gragger (noisemaker) to drown out his name, symbolizing the defeat of evil.
- Shalach Mones (Gifts of Food): It’s customary to send gifts of food to friends and family. This practice fosters goodwill and strengthens bonds within the community.
- Matanot L’Evyonim (Gifts to the Needy): Another tradition of Purim is giving charity to those in need. The pennies in your Shalach Mones bag are meant to be used for this purpose, helping those who may be struggling during this festive time.
- Eating Hamentashen: These three-cornered pastries, filled with poppy seeds, prunes, or other fillings, are a signature treat on Purim. The pastries are said to resemble Haman’s three-cornered hat, adding a bit of humor and tradition to the celebration.
- Purim Shpiels: These comedic plays are a delightful Purim tradition, providing laughter and lighthearted entertainment for all ages.
Purim at Sholom
Purim is a time for celebration, laughter, and community spirit. We invite all of our residents, families, and staff to join in the festivities, whether through watching the Purim service, enjoying a festive meal, or sending Shalach Mones to one another. Together, we celebrate this incredible story of survival and triumph, embracing the joy that comes with the holiday.
