A Topsy Turvey Purim with Temple Isaiah

Purim is our Jewish party holiday: masks, noise-making, even officially-approved drinking! We will come together in new ways this year to continue the centuries-old traditions of merry-making, hamentaschen, and more as we celebrate the Jews’ defeat of a tyrant who tried to kill us. To quote Zero Mostel, “Something for everyone, a comedy tonight!”

Tzedakah for Neighbor-to-Neighbor Gifts
With Temple Isaiah Sisterhood

This Purim, Sisterhood and the Temple Isaiah community will assemble care packages to be dropped off at agencies in Waltham that serve the homeless. Care packages include masks, hand sanitizer, and winter accessories such as hand warmers and emergency blankets.

We need donations in order to make our 100 care package project possible and help our neighbors through this difficult winter. Your donation will be made in honor of our Temple Isaiah clergy, staff, and teachers who have sustained our community throughout this extraordinary year, and each donor will be listed on the congregation thank you card if received by Monday, February 22.

Click here to learn more about donation levels and to donate online. You may also send a check made payable to Temple Isaiah Sisterhood and mail to the temple. Thank you for your support for our annual Purim project. The need this year makes these gifts especially meaningful for our community.

Nosh Some Hamentaschen!

Hamentaschen are coming! We're partnering with Tatte Bakery, rated by The Nosher as having the best hamentaschen in Boston. Order these yummy treats in Nutella, strawberry, or poppyseed starting February 14. You must designate the order as a pick-up at 1:30.  (The pick-up time is the signal that it's an Isaiah order, so use that time even if you plan to come to the temple later in the afternoon.) Hamentaschen are listed under "Hamentaschen cookies." You may order other items as well. Order deadline is noon on Sunday, February 21. Pick up at Isaiah on Thursday, February 25 from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Order here.

Get Cooking with Gail: Traditional Hamentaschen
Thursday, February 18
4:00 pm

Get ready for Purim by learning how to make hamentaschen. Legend teaches that these triangle-shaped cookies are crafted after a hat worn by Haman. Learn to make the dough, shape them, and fill them with your favorite type of filling! Register online here to get the Zoom link, ingredient list, and a special Purim gift especially for those doing the workshop!

Pandemic in Persia: Purim Spiel and Megillah Reading
Thursday, February 25
5:00 pm
View Zoom details here.

A topsy turvy night! Join Temple Isaiah as we tell the story of Purim with joy and humor. We will hear both words from the Megillah (The Book of Esther) and a new, unique Purim spiel especially for 2020/2021!

The Mysterious Megillah: Surprises and Contradictions in the Book of Esther
Tuesday, February 23
Noon - 1:00 pm
View Zoom details here.

Join Rabbi Jaffe for a deeper dive into the Book of Esther. How can we celebrate the unjust punishment of Haman? Can we reconcile Esther's assimilation and her assertion of Jewish identity? What can we learn from Haman about demagoguery? And, given that God is never mentioned, why is this book part of our canon? Grab your lunch or some hamentaschen and come learn!

Shushan Shenanigans: An Adult Purim Party
Saturday, February 27
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Who says Purim is just for kids? It's also a time for adults to party! We'll play some not-too-difficult, professionally-hosted trivia and have some fun. And don't worry — you don't need to form a team or be a trivia maven - just sign up and sign in.

Pour yourself a drink and join the fun! Don't forget your hat, mask, or costume. Free admission for anyone named Esther or Mordechai. And for everyone else! Please register here to reserve your spot. Register here.

Purim Bottle Character Workshop
Monday, February 15 and Wednesday, February 17
4:00 pm

Join artist and Jewish educator Michelle Renfrow as we create colorful Purim characters out of recycled bottles and paper mache! Bring your creativity, excitement, and your willingness to get a little messy! Register online here to get the Zoom link, suggested material list, and a special Purim gift especially for those participating!

Sessions are cumulative; if your child cannot attend one session but would like to participate, email Rabbi Amy at ahertz@templeisaiah.net to make a plan.

Turn Your Trash Into Purim Treasure: Upcycled Grogger Making
Tuesday, February 16
4:00 pm

Join Rabbi Amy and Rebecca Winters as we transform our recyclables into a loud grogger (noisemaker) to drown out Haman's name during the megillah reading! Materials needed include recyclable bottle, box or other container, as well as some dried beans or pasta, markers, other art materials you have around the house, and your imagination! Register here to get the zoom link, suggested materials list, and a special Purim gift especially for those doing the workshop!

Families with Young Children Purim Party with Judy and David
Sponsored by LEFTY
Thursday, February 25
3:30 pm

International children's recording artists and TV stars Judy & David will be our special guests this Purim and you're invited! Enjoy a fun retelling of the Purim story for young kids and families and lots of great music. And, of course, guest appearances by Temple Isaiah kids and families in our first ever Digital Costume Parade. Register here.

Star in the Parade!
Don't miss a chance to star in our digital costume parade by dressing up in your favorite costumes and submitting your picture, here! Please submit your pictures by Wednesday, February 17, 5:00 pm.

Come One, Come All! Temple Isaiah Purim Celebration with Time Flies Circus
Sponsored by LEFTY
Thursday, February 25
4:15 pm

Join the artists from Time Flies Circus for some Purim circus fun! Watch us flip in celebration of how Esther and Mordechai "turned their world upside down." Register here.