Dear Community,
I'd bet, like me, you are both consciously and unconsciously anticipating the impending "One-Year Anniversary of Everything Being Different." Some of us mark that date as March 12, when our city started to shut down; others of us, who keep time according to the Hebrew calendar, mark it as the anniversary of the Jewish holiday of Purim (14 Adar), which this year falls on February 25.
Purim is, by many accounts, a joyous holiday. It recounts the victory of Mordechai and Esther over the wicked Haman, celebrating the liberation of the Jewish people from a near massacre during the Persian empire (a theme not unfamiliar in our people's lore and scripture). One year ago—the very last day of the "before times"—was the last time we gathered indoors; the last time we hugged; the last time we dressed up, sang, and danced together; the last time we saw your unmasked smiling faces, not through a Zoom screen. While this Purim we may not yet be liberated from our homes, there is still SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE.
So we're doing Purim 5781/2021 BIG. We're offering socially distanced, outdoor megillah readings; Purim seudah/meal pick-up; virtual programs for a variety of communities within our big community (kids and families, LGBTQ+, observant folks, people with limited or no experience with Judaism/Purim, people just looking for something fun to do in February); and amazing options for service and gift-giving (mishloach manot).
You can check out all of our Purim offerings below. As always, if you have any questions, be in touch!
In gratitude to the most wonderful community,
Meg
Enormous thanks to our friends and partners at Kehillat Harlem, Based in Harlem, Repair the World Harlem, Sephardic Mizrahi Q Network, Chabad of Harlem, Chabad of Hamilton Heights, mainstages, and of course, The Center for Jewish Living at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan.
Virtual Program | A Sephardi/Mizrahi Pre-Purim Havdalah Gathering with SMQN
Let’s get into the Purim spirit by coming together for a community-wide virtual havdalah with the Sephardic Mizrahi Q Network (SMQN). There will be chanting, storytelling, and a glimpse into the Persian-Jewish roots of Purim!
Sat, Feb 20, 6:45–8 pm, Free
Virtual Program | Community Hamantaschen Bake
Join JCC Harlem Advisory Board member Stephanie and her daughter in a virtual hamantaschen-baking tutorial in celebration of the holiday of Purim. This program is designed for grown-ups to do with their kiddos; we'll send you a list of all the necessary ingredients and the recipe in advance.
Sun, Feb 21, 10–11:30 am, Free
Pick-up/Drop-off at JCC Harlem | Package Purim Baskets at Home for Seniors in Met Council's Affordable Housing
Spread Purim joy by packing holiday bags and creating Purim cards at home for seniors living in Met Council’s affordable housing. You'll pick up a packaging kit, package the items at home, and return the packaged items to JCC Harlem. JCC Harlem and Repair the World will then deliver the packages to Met Council seniors in time for Purim. This program is designed for all ages, and is an awesome opportunity to engage kids in service as part of fulfilling the mitzvot (obligations) of the holiday of Purim.
Pick up materials at JCC Harlem Mon, Feb 15–Fri, Feb 19, 11:30 am–6:30 pm, Free
Drop off Mishloach Manot at JCC Harlem Mon, Feb 15–Mon, Feb 22, 11:30 am–6:30 pm, Free
Pick-up at JCC Harlem | Prepackaged Mishloach Manot Pick-Up
Each mishloach manot bag will contain two individually wrapped sweet treats and a small Purim-themed goody. These make a beautiful gift for family, friends, and neighbors!
Pick-up at JCC Harlem between Tue, Feb 16–Thu, Feb 25, 11:30 am–6:30 pm, $5 per package
Virtual Program | Purim for Kids!
Purim for Kids! is a Purim party in your own home. There will be special appearances by the JCC staff's adorable children, BOLD Arts dance group, klezmer musicians, and more. Featuring music, dancing, and a Purim play, performed by kids for kids! Suggested for ages 5–10 and the young at heart.
Thu, Feb 25, 4–5 pm, Free
Virtual Program | Purim Celebration for the Families of the JCC
Join us for a fantastic Purim celebration for kids of all ages. In a fast-paced interactive mainstages show, participants will meet fun Purim-themed characters and play original games. Then enjoy our Masks-On Purim Shpiel, an interactive telling of the Megillat Esther. With song and dance from America all the way to Persia, we will celebrate the Book of Esther, create Purim masks, and participate in an exciting Zoom costume parade.
Thu, Feb 25, 5–6 pm, Free
Outdoor, Socially Distanced Program | Harlem Outdoor Megillah Readings
Join the Harlem community this Purim to hear Megillat Esther being read aloud! There will be two outdoor, socially distanced readings, one on Thu, Feb 25, and one on Fri, Feb 26.
Thu, Feb 25, 6:30 pm at City College, Free
Fri, Feb 26, 12:30 pm at JCC Harlem, Free
Virtual Program | LGBTQ Purim Bash
Join us for a virtual LGBTQ Purim spectacular like no other! Enjoy a queer-themed megillah reading infused with performances from big names and more. This event is cosponsored by Out at the J, JQY, Eighteen:22, and MusicTalks.
Thu, Feb 25, 7–8:30 pm, Free
Virtual Program | Base's The PuRiM pArTy featuring DJ tiny hat
Please join Based in Harlem and Base MNHTN as we virtually get “nails done, hair done, everything did,” also known as a most epic PuRiM dance party with music by DJ tiny hat! Prizes and surprises, Torah and horas, BYO l'chaim and nosh!
Thu, Feb 25, 8:30 pm, Free
Pick-up at JCC Harlem + Virtual Program | A Distanced Harlem Purim Seudah (Feast)
One of the central mitzvot of Purim is to celebrate with a seudah, or feast! While we can't join one another in person at an elaborate banquet table this year, Kehillat Harlem and Based in Harlem are teaming up to create a virtual Purim feast (and a delicious Purim meal) that you won't want to miss. For those who like, we are thrilled to announce that Kyle Savitch will be providing a limited number of kosher seudah boxes, available for $18/adult or $36/family (serves two adults plus children). Each seudah box will include wine, as well as a festive (meat) meal to be enjoyed together while apart.
Fri, Feb 26
Meal Pick-up at JCC Harlem: 1:45–2:30 pm, $18/adult or $36/family
Virtual Seudah: 3–4 pm, Free
Virtual Program | JCC Harlem in the Neighborhood
Presented in partnership with mainstages and Camp Settoga
Join mainstages in this virtual variety show that showcases the BEST of the JCC Harlem and Camp Settoga communities with interactive games, engaging characters, puppets, and maybe even a drop-in from a neighbor or two. Play games and enjoy activities all about Purim, summer camp, and our Jewish values. This madcap show is fun for the whole family!
Sun, Feb 28, 5 pm, Free