Purim is one of those Jewish holidays that has become a really fun celebration! Typically you think of kids dressing up at day schools and synagogues, making hamantaschen, reading the Megillah and booing when you hear Haman’s name. But what about when you’re a single adult or an adult without children? Having fun at Purim doesn’t have to stop when you become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. In fact, having fun at Purim shouldn’t stop when you become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
1. Costume Party
The first and best way to celebrate Purim is also the most obvious: find your local Jewish organization or temple that is having a Purim party for adults. If there’s more than one, choose the party that applies closest to your demographic, whether that’s young singles, older singles, couples, etc. Many of them will make it a theme party such as a masquerade ball or ’80s night, so join in and get costumed up. Don’t be that one party pooper that thought they were too cool to dress up; you’ll end up looking out of place because everyone tends to participate! Purim is about masking (Queen Esther had to originally hide her Jewish identity) and merrymaking (since the Jews were saved). Even if it is simply wearing a mask, no one is going to judge you for having fun with this holiday. It often gets compared to Halloween in this element (though there’s so much more to the holiday, too), so enjoy it!
2. Kind Actions
Take the opportunity at Purim to do something for others. Mishloach Manot are baskets filled with hamantaschen and other goodies that you give out to others. Gather friends for making hamantaschen – a great activity to do with someone new you’re dating – and then add some chocolate and fruit to create a cute treat to give out to neighbors and co-workers. Or make a more meaningful basket to give to the homeless by collecting toiletries, blankets, socks or food. Because of Esther and her cousin Mordechai’s foiling of Haman’s plan and saving the Jewish people, there is an added social justice element to this holiday that is one we can use as an excuse for doing a mitzvah. Celebrating a holiday doesn’t always have to be at a party! Have friends join you or find a group that’s already doing so to add a social element to this good deed.
And yes, the picture here is me, dressed up and celebrating Purim on the streets of Tel Aviv. Experiencing Purim in Israel was an experience like no other and one that I highly recommend if you are ever given the chance to do so. An entire neighborhood is shut down for the celebration and everyone goes all out dressing up and letting loose. It is a celebration of the Jewish people being saved, yet again. What better excuse do you need to party?
