Come welcome Shabbat and have some Purim fun
Are we reading the Megillah/Scroll of Esther? Yes! This year, the AARC will be reading the Megillah, the scroll of Esther, during the 4th Friday Shabbat service, on March 25 beginning at 6:30 pm. Rabbi Michael Strassfeld will lead us in Shabbat songs and members of the congregation and the rabbi will chant and read an abbreviated version of the Whole Megillah, primarily in English. You won’t want to miss being part of the beautiful, creative and fun costumes of kids, members and service leaders alike. Plus you will be thrilled by the Band’s scoring of the evening.
Will there be a Tot Shabbat beforehand like usual? Yes! There will be a Tot Shabbat from 5:45 to 6:15 preceding the service.
Will we have a potluck afterward service? Yes, but with a Purim twist! We’ll be serving Middle Eastern food, and we need you to bring salads, some little kid friendly dishes, and desserts! Nutfree, please. Potluck at 8 pm.
Will there be a Purimshpiel? A special addition to the evening will be “All the World’s a Stage” a brief, family-friendly Purimshpiel (play) presented during the potluck dinner by the post-Bnei Mitzvah group while we munch away on home-made hamantaschen.
Speaking of Hamantaschen…. You can make them at home, or join the baking fun at the Lessure/Engelbert’s on March 19, 3-6pm. Get the full deal here and rsvp.
Should I come in costume? Yes! Not required of course, but so much fun. Need ideas? See Rachel’s blog on that!
What should I bring? Come, one and all. Bring a friend, a generously portioned vegetarian, nut-free, potluck dish (salad, kid-friendly main dish, or dessert), come in costume or grab a mask at the JCC, come ready to laugh and sing. Come for the service, stay for the Purimshpiel.
Should I bring the household items I have bought for the Welcome baskets? Yes! Read about it here. Sign up here.
Is this evening appropriate for young children? This family friendly service will be fun, entertaining, less formal, and certainly more noisy than a traditional Friday night service. That said, it is great if parents remain mindful of their children’s participation during the service, the potluck and the Purimshpiel. Please let me know (ckinberg@gmail.com) if your kids need childcare or pizza before the service.
