Emanu-El | Purim for the Troops

popular Purim tradition is to give gifts to the poor and needy in our communities and around the world. This is one of the traditions that Mordechai instituted when he established the holiday:

They were to observe them as days of feasting and merrymaking, and as an occasion for sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor. (Esther 9:22)

When Haman requests permission of King Achashverosh to destroy the Jewish people, Haman describes the Jews as “a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples...” (Esther 3:8) The Rabbis of the Talmud interpreted this to mean that the Jews were scattered and not unified. By sending gifts to one another, we strengthen the bonds among Jews everywhere.

Temple Emanu-El members are invited to reach out to Jewish troops stationed in Iraq by creating mishloach manot, gifts of sweets
and fruits that are shared bountifully with others.

Participation is easy:

Create a small assortment of nonperishable food items, such as
individually packaged nuts, dried fruits, hard candies and gum.
All items should bear a kosher symbol.

Place items in a small box or plastic bag.

Drop your mishloach manot package at the Temple
no later than noon on Sunday, March 9.
All packages will be shipped on Monday, March 10.

Questions? Send a message to our Tikkun Olam Committee or leave a message on their voicemail: (212) 744-1400, ext. 452. Someone will get back to you.

Back to Celebrate Purim!