Purim is the Jewish carnival holiday–the time to let loose and celebrate the absurdity and flip-floppy-ness of life. As the Talmud says, Rava said: A person is obligated to become intoxicated with wine on Purim until he is so intoxicated that he does not know how to distinguish between cursed is Haman and blessed is Mordecai.1
It is also on this holiday that we are commanded to hear megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther, in which Esther, a young Jewish woman, ends up queen of Persia and saves the Jewish people by standing up to the king and evil Haman (boo!). Obviously, it’s way more complicated than that, so really, you should read it for yourself!
The Rabbis give us four mitzvot (commandments) to fulfill for Purim. As such, please enjoy four questions, each inspired by one of the mitzvot.
We are commanded to hear the megillah–the story of Purim. What is a story that gives you strength?
We are commanded to give to those who are experiencing poverty. What is something you can offer in the next week that will help someone in need? (and then, of course, do it)
We are commanded to give gift baskets to friends and family. What is one of the best gifts you have ever received? What made it so great?
We are commanded to eat a celebratory meal. If you could travel through time and space to eat one meal, where would you go and what would you want to eat?
If you love question conversation starters, here are other lists to jump into:
Babylonian Talmud, Megillah 7b