Purim Se'udah Powerful Symbol
By RABBI ALON TOLWIN
The mitzvot performed on Purim
reflect an attitude to live as Jews. We
must hear the megillah read twice.
We must give gifts to the poor and
exchange gifts with friends. We must
have a festive meal.
Perhaps this last mitzvah, the
se'udah, can be the most powerful
tool in conveying the lessons of
Purim to our families. At the se'udah,
with everyone at the table, is the time
for the children to convey what
they've learned in day or afternoon
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school. It is an opportunity for parents
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to teach the lessons of Purim to their
children.
Imagine this scene: It is Purim.
Aba and !ma are in costume. Why?
What are they dressed up as? The
costume makes fun of disunity or
non-Jewish values that spawn hatred
and ignorance. The table is set with
the Shabbat and Yom Tov best. The
children are also in costume, perhaps
dressed to look like Esther,
Mordechai or another character.
What does this character represent in
the Purim story? How did he or she
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add to or enable the Purim event to
happen? The table has food baskets
received from family and friends, as
well as gifts prepared for others. Let
this inspire the child and parent to
ask what we can do to bring Purim to
those who are less spiritually
fortunate than us! Lastly, there are
the anyiim, the poor. Halachah,
Jewish Law, states that on Purim we
must give assistance to anyone who
By JANIS ROSZLER
says they need it. What a valuable
lesson for the children to see: their
Imagine your surprise ... you've
parents giving money away to people
recently come from the former Soviet
who are less fortunate! All this is
Union, dressed up in your finest suit,
done while the family is sitting around
grabbed a bottle of kosher wine from
the table.
your table and headed out to the car
The festive meal of Purim is much
with your family. You are on your way
more than a meal. It is an opportunity
to the strange home of Detroit Jews
for families to relive the miracle of
to share your very first Purim meal.
Purim and Jewish survival.
Who greets you at the door? A
rabbi? His wife? Other distinguished
Rabbi Tolwin is education director
guests? Nope, it's none other than
for Aleynu/Aish Hatorah, Detroit.
Peter Pan and Wendy! WHAT??
Have you entered the Twilight Zone?
No, you have entered the home of
Janis and Myer Roszler and family.
Purim is celebrated on
When it comes to Purim, they don't
mess around ... er ... rather, they DO
February 25th. It is
mess around!
preceded by the Fast of
The theme of Purim is v'nahafchu,
having things turned around, having
Esther and followed by
the opposite happen. This is certainly
Shushan Purim. Because
NOT what you expected. At the
Roszler home all kids dress up —
of when Purim falls this
that is, kids from ages 1-120. You
year, some families will
have just been greeted by your hosts.
Janis,
in a wig and long flannel
hold their Se'udah Friday
nightgown, and her husband, Myer, in
morning.
Peter Pan green (sorry, he couldn't
bring himself to get into those tights!).
A Purim se'udah (meal) at the
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A Topsy-Turvy Purim Se'udah
Roszlers' is wild and fun. Everyone
brings food, sings songs and tells
what is known as "Purim Torah,"
nonsensical sermons which twist and
turn lessons from the Torah and the
Purim story so masterfully that all end
up laughing wildly.
Then, of course, the Roszlers'
annual version of "Family Feud" using
questions from the megillah.
Everyone yells and everyone cheers
for his team. This is hardly a quiet
and dignified dinner!
Your English skills may be rusty,
but you know a good time when you
see one and you promise yourself as
you leave to return home, that you
will be there next year with bells on ...
literally!
Janis Roszler is a full-time mother,
part-time dietitian and part-time
Wendy.
10. It's fun
9. You can't fail
8. The kids can have an important and fun-filled role
7. It's magic
6. We need more magic to keep our families healthy
5. It will add to your family Jewish memory bank
4. It's important for families to play and be silly together
3. It's a great reason to invite your friends to celebrate
2. It's one of the mitzvoth (great opportunities) of Purim
1. It's fun
FEBRUARY
Top Ten Reasons
For Purim Feast
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