Throughout Purim day, we add the passage Al Hanissim to our Amidot followed by a synopsis of the miraculous victory Mordechai and Esther wrought again Haman long ago in Persia.
“We thank you for the miraculous deliverance, for the heroism, and for the triumphs in battle of our ancestors in other days, and in our time.”
While this well-known passage is recited on Hannukah, Yom Ha’atzmaut and Purim, it is rife with additional meaning today.
For many of us, Purim 2021 (March 9-10) was the last time we gathered in large groups to celebrate a holiday, simha or to comfort one another prior to mandated social distancing. The world we knew has changed in so many profound ways. World over, 2.5 million people have died, 63.5 million people have recovered and 113 million people that we know of have been infected.
Humanity as a whole grieves the tragic losses of those who have succumbed to COVID-19, a menace that appears to impact each person differently. These millions of deaths are so random and senseless. To compound tragedies, the virility of this virus has required that carriers be isolated to prevent other deaths, causing many victims to leave this world without loved ones at their bedside to provide comfort as they transition. So scarry. So sad.
As Jews are required to see the miracles that hide between strands of tragedy and pain we confront. An out-of-control pandemic has forced virtual engagement on every level which has, in turn, created bridges to friendship, education, spiritual enrichment, acts of lovingkindness and professional advancement that few of us could have imagined before we were living it. We are learning, comforting and celebrating with people living around the globe that we could never dreamed of meeting.
Last night JCoOC facilitated what I would qualify as an unexpected light-filled event within local Jewish life. Eight Jewish communities came together to celebrate Purim on Zoom and Facebook Live. Spielers and Megillah readers from these different congregations and organizations painted the Story of Esther with heartfelt singing and chanting in view of more than 350 smiling participants sitting in 200+ postage stamps. You can enjoy the “Whole Megillah” by CLICKING HERE.
For those of us who have longed to be part of a more cohesive Jewish community, this was a profound step forward to creating, for lack of a better term, Kehilat SoCal. JCoOC was founded five years ago to foster collaborative gatherings of this nature. We are dedicated to doing our part to cultivate supportive ties between local congregations and organizations eager to enrich community celebration and education opportunities for their followers.
May the growth we experience between this Purim and next continue to “grant US the blessing of light, of gladness, and of honor which the miracle of deliverance brought our ancestors.” (Esther 8:16)
Hag Purim Sameah and Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Marcia Tilchin and the Collaborative Team
Enjoy this rendition of the song Al Hanissim by ALIYAH by clicking HERE.
Friday, February 26 Beginning at 5:30 PM SERVICES WITH TBESOC More Purim fun with Temple Beth El of South Orange County beginning at 5:30 with the renowned Bible Players' comedy performance for all ages, then at 6:00 for Shabbat services, and at 7:00 for Unkosher Comedy for adults.Click here for details and to register.
Friday, February 26 at 7:00 PM
PURIM SHABBAT SERVICES WITH
CONGREGATION HAVURIM TEMECULA Rabbi Stacia Deutsch is joined by Rabbi Tilchin for Shabbat and Purim services and a play put on by the Congregation Havurim Purim Players. Join on Zoom here.
Saturday, February 27 at 2:00 PM (PST) TWELVE STEPS AND TORAH Shabbat afternoon Torah study informed by the wisdom of Twelve Step recovery. Led by Rabbis Marcia Tilchin and Ilan Glazer. Join us on Zoom.
Saturday, February 27 at 6:30 PM (PST) HAVDALAH TOGETHER Rabbi Tilchin leads Havdalah following a conversation with writer, director, and producer David Siegel discussing Filmaking in the Age of COVID. Siegel has create many well known movies including What Maisie Knew, which you can watch here using passcode: maisie2021.
Monday, February 29 at 9:30 AM ADVANCED LEARNING INSTITUTE Dr. Reinhard Krauss, leads us in conversation for the conclusion of Moses, the Teacher – Jesus, the new Adam – Muhammed, the Prophet: The Role of the founding figures in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Click here to learn more. Join on Zoom and Facebook. Watch: Feb. 8th class on Moses here. Watch: Feb 15th class on Jesushere. Watch: Feb. 22nd class on Muhammed here.
March 13 and 14 STEPPING INTO LIBERATION A virtual retreat for those connected to recovery. Offered by JCoOC in partnership with Our Jewish Recovery, Beit T'Shuvah and additional organizations committed to Jewish Recovery work. Please click here for the event flyer. Early bird registration available before March 3. Register here.
The Jewish Collaborative of Orange County is a creative, collaborative, and compassionate community dedicated to innovating and supporting local and national programming that enriches the landscape of Jewish life and encourages individuals, couples and families to connect their passions and purpose with Judaism.
Jewish Collaborative of Orange County 2200 San Joaquin Hills Rd. Newport Beach, CA 92660
