Happy Purim,

Over the past two weeks we have witnessed the impressive display of athletics, culture, celebration and technology.  Many of us have taken this once in a lifetime opportunity to take our friends, family, children,  or grandchildren, to experience this spectacle.  It was simply something we could not miss.   This is a Civic celebration the likes of which we will likely never see again.


Interestingly the Megilah begins with a similar celebration, a party not of 17 days but of 180 days.  It is Mordechai who reminds the Jews that our mission transcends the party.   This year his message is oh so important as the final day of competition shares the stage with Purim itself. Fret not, as the message of Purim is not inconsistent with the spirit in the streets these days.


As the many Canadian flags, cheers and hopes for gold pull Canada together,  the mitzvot of Purim also pull our community together through:


The Megilah - brings all of us to the Synagogue to hear the story of the endurance of our people.


Mishloach Manot - reach out and show a friend you care, by sending them a package of two prepared kosher foods.  Think about what it would mean to your Bubie's friend who lives alone and does not get out much, or a resident of the Louis Brier, or an old friend with whom you have lost touch to receive a little "I care about you package"


Gifts to the poor--at our happiest moments we say we care about those less fortunate in our community, it helps us draw unity from all corners. (You can  give a cheque or cash for distributions to the poor to Rabbi Rosenblatt or to Joseph Marciano, in shul after the Megilah readings).


Purim Seudah -  the festive purim meal where we bring our friends together to experience a little taste of community around the table.

I hope you and your family have a very happy Purim.


See you in Shul.


Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt