Resources for Purim
Purim this year begins on the evening of Wednesday 28 February. Here are some resources for Purim compiled by Reform Judaism’s Community Educator, Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers.
Purim in 550 words
The story of Purim in 550 words. You could cut the paragraphs up and see who can get the story back into the right order!
Click here to download this summary of the Purim story in 550 words.
History and struggles with Purim
Rabbi Sylvia Rothschild reflects here on her struggles with the celebration of Purim, and its history.
Click here to download history and struggles with Purim.
Art as Midrash
Every translation is an interpretation, and every artist brings us their personal take on a character or event. What can we learn about the characters of the Purim story from their depiction in art, and what are our own readings?
Click here to download art as midrash.
Rhyming Ma’ariv service for Purim
To add to the joy and simchah of Purim, Rabbi Paul Freedman has produced a brilliant and hilarious Ma’ariv in rhyming couplets!
Click here to download this rhyming Ma’ariv service for Purim.
Amalek
The Shabbat before Purim we read the biblical story of Amalek, from whom Haman is said to be descended. Here Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers offers some texts to help us struggle with the idea that Amalek should be utterly destroyed from memory, and yet we keep reading the story. This blog piece supports the sources and may help any teacher understand the train of thought behind the session.
Click here to download this resource on Amalek.
Purim play
A play by Sherry Ashworth which was written for Purim at Menorah Synagogue.
