5 Reasons Purim is hands-down my favorite Jewish Holiday

Purim is right around the corner, kicking off the evening of March 20th. With Passover the heavy-hitter and sneaking up right after, this super awesome holiday often times gets overlooked. I am here to make the case that Purim is hands-down the most festive and fun of Jewish holidays and we should absolutely not miss it! 

FEMINISM

Ruth Bader Ginsburg portrait by Anna Abramzon

As the ladies at Hey Alma put it, Purim is the ultimate Feminist holiday. How could it not be?

It is the story of two fierce women who stand up to the men in power and ultimately save the Jewish people. Today that narrative feels as current as ever. After all, we have some Vasthis and Queen Esthers among us, fighting the good fight for all of us.

Christine Blasey Ford Portrait by Anna Abramzon

COSTUMES 

Who doesn't love an excuse to wear a disguise? What I absolutely loved about Purim when I lived in Israel was the sheer creativity of the costumes. Here is the time I conquered Purim as a Picasso painting from the blue period. 

MISHLOACH MANOT 

I had never heard of the tradition of Mishloach Manot (aka Purim Baskets) before I moved to Jerusalem, but it quickly became one of my favorite traditions.

The idea is that you make a package of treats to your friends and family. Each mishloach manot is supposed to contain at least two different types of food. Some ideas are hamantaschen, fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate, dried fruit, candies and baked goods. Drinks are also a good idea, such as juice, sparkling cider, and, of course, Vino!

Bonus points if you deliver it yourself. I made a Pinterest board of Purim Basket inspiration just for you, including ideas for how to package the baskets and some awesome hamentashen recipes (with vegan and gluten free options too!)  Aaaand, I made you this lovely purim card which you can download for free as this month's free gift! Get your here. 

WINE 

It is actually considered a mitzvah to drink on Purim: 

“One must drink on Purim until that person cannot distinguish between cursing Haman and blessing Mordechai” (Megillah 7b) 

Need I say more?  

MY HEBREW NAME

Being born in the Soviet Union means your mom doesn’t always get to name you whatever she wants. My mom reaaaally wanted to name me Esther, but in an oppressive, anti-Semitic country, she knew that a name like that would set me up for a really hard life. So instead they named me Anna.

But as soon as we arrived in the United States, Esther became my official Hebrew name – in fact, it is the name on my ketubah! So obviously the holiday celebrating Queen Esther has got to be my fave! 

What do you say? Have I made my case?? Feminist power, sweet treats, drinking with no judgement and costumes??

Let's live it up on Purim this year! Who is with me??