Purim Fun "It's a Mitzvah to laugh"

On Purim, more than any other Jewish holiday, we are encouraged to rejoice and have fun!!! In the Kohavim classroom we are planning many fun activities. On March 8th we will be coming in costume to celebrate as a center. We are encouraging the children to make their own costumes. We look forward to their wonderful creations from materials found.

We will also be emphasizing the four Mitzvot of Purim:
1) Listening to the Megillah
2) Sending Gifts of food (Mishloach Manot) emphasizing the importance of Jewish Unity and friendship by sending these gifts of food
3) Giving gifts to the needy~though concern for the needy is a year long Mitzvah for all Jewish people, it is a special Mitzvah to remember the poor on Purim
4) Eating a Festive Meal~we will be gathering with other classroom to share a festive meal.

We will be having loads of fun dressing up, telling jokes, celebrating this joyous holiday, but also mindful of our Core Jewish Values of Tzedakah (sharing with others as a regular ongoing activity, Hachnasat Orchim (extending hospitility) Gemilut Chasadim (Acts of kindness) Bikur Cholim (reaching out to the sick) and Matanot La'Evyomim (Gifts to the Needy.)

In anticipation of making Mishloach Manot baskets, we ask you to consider donating the following items: stationary, stamps, playing cards, cookies, tea. We would encourage you to involve your children in the selection process of what they would like to bring to share with others. We have tentatively scheduled a visit to the Newbridge Center on the Charles for Wednesday March 7th. More information to follow. In addition we will be making Hamantaschen in the classroom. If there are any bakers out there who would like to come in to help, please let us know.