A Word from Rabbi Schulman - 3/10/17

A “palooza” as defined on Urban Dictionary, is “an all-out crazy party; partying at one place with a ton of people like there’s no tomorrow.”

I have a shorter definition for this word. To me, palooza is equated with Purim.

Purim pops-up at a propitious point. Chanukah was a long time ago. Pesach is not for another month. Purim is a release valve from the humdrum of Jewish life. Permission is given to act meshugenah. Dress-up in costume? You bet. Wear a mask? Why not? Get so drunk you cannot tell the difference between “Bless Mordecai and Curse Haman?” Only if you’re 21+.

Our celebration of Purim at TBT has two major components. This Saturday evening we will gather to read Megilat Esther. Only the Megillah won’t be read with any degree of seriousness. Volunteers from the congregation have been preparing to chant their portion by any means necessary. They might draw on a Broadway show tune, a television jingle, or a song by a pop star. No one knows what will happen – which is part of what makes the service spontaneous and fun.

On Sunday morning at 10:30am, everyone who wants to study a portion of the Book of Esther will meet in the Library. Then at 11:30, the palooza begins! There will be carnival games for the kids, beer making for the adults, masterpiece painting for those who made a reservation with Minahelet Leah, along with food, drink, and music. Don’t forget to bring gifts that will be given to children who are sheltered by Abode Services.

Einstein special theory of relativity was to discover E= mc2. My contribution to world knowledge is no less earth shattering. I have discovered that Purim = palooza2.

So invite your family and friends to celebrate this eternal truth.