Purim is a holiday about masks. We all wear masks every day, but the holiday of Purim encourages us to look past them and reveal our true selves to the world. We hope these Purim activities and resources, designed to help you connect with and nurture your truest self, will let you do that!
We don’t only preserve community by taking care of our most unfortunate community members when they need us; we do so by also showing the people in our lives we care about them even when they don’t need us.
Despite social expectations and pressure, Mordechai’s refusal to bow to someone diametrically opposed to his values demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his own. There is no holiday where this model is more necessary than Purim.
Throughout its 3,000-year history, Jewish tradition has put a lot of thought into this deeply human question, among others, and has provided a plethora of answers. Our tradition offers paths to joy. But, ultimately, what makes you happy is you.
Balancing different parts of ourselves for different circumstances, however, is a fact of life – but it can be exhausting. That is why it is necessary that we take the time to perform self-care when we have the chance.
When we look at the story of Purim, we can see themes of unmasking: stepping into our true identities, accepting that within ourselves what we have been unable to accept and, from that, making great change.
Let us shift our mindset to develop a more supportive community for those fighting their internal battles with Haman. We need to understand that mental health challenges can happen to anyone in any family at any time.
Masks are a major part of the celebration of Purim — but also the way we operate in the world. Depending on the social setting, masks are the things we hide behind. Often, the use of masks in public spaces is out of an insecurity that deep down, we aren’t who people think we are.
We make much of masks at this holiday. Does your mask cover up the real “you,” or does it reveal who you secretly would like to be — or even who you really are? Purim provides a wonderful occasion to explore my self and my masks.
We all know communities include both bullies and allies. In the story of Purim, those roles are somewhat obvious: Haman is a bully, and Mordechai is an ally. Life isn’t always that simple, however, and it is our responsibility to recognize that.
How do you rejoice when you can’t rejoice? By accepting your experience and being gentle with yourself. You can use the joy around you to help you be kind to yourself. Allow for the possibility that you may eventually feel better, just not today.
Drinking isn’t the only “Mitzvah” on Purim. There are so many ways to access joy from the other commandments of the day that involve engaging with your community!
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