PURIM:

Environmental Purim Ideas

Purim is a holiday filled with tremendous joy and hidden depth. The basis for the mitzvot and traditions of Purim is found in a verse from the book of Esther: “…the Jews are 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) “An occasion for sending gifts” - in Hebrew called mishloach manot, sometimes also called shaloch manot – on Purim, many Jews send packages of treats to family and friends. Learn how two communities are using shaloch manot to bring joy, happiness and unity amongst Jews, as well as to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection.

Santa Cruz COEJL offers bicycle-delivered organic shaloch manot

Santa Cruz COEJL is making special shaloch manot baskets to fulfill the mitzvah of Purim and further our goal of educating the public on important issues such as reducing both pesticide use and oil consumption. Santa Cruz COEJL baskets will be filled with organic traditional treats, including homemade hamantashen, fresh and/or dried fruits, chocolates, juices and/or wine (premier Kosher Organic Four Gates wine, made locally in the Santa Cruz mountains), dried flowers, and a card. Baskets will be delivered by bicycle, in support of COEJL’s efforts to slow global climate change and reduce oil dependency. Prices range from $10-$26, depending on the contents.

Germantown Jewish Centre’s Minyan Dorshei Derekh gives eco-friendly shaloch manot

Minyan Dorshei Derekh of the Germantown Jewish Centre (Philadelphia, PA) has created an alternative form of mishloach manot (packages of sweet foods and gifts traditionally given to neighbors and friends) for Purim. Members are invited to donate money, instead of handing out home baked and/or purchased goodies, which were always wrapped in plastic and given in disposable containers. Instead each household receives a basket (actually a reused clementine box!) full of goodies, and the remainder goes to food related causes. Last year they included an energy efficient CFL bulb in each shaloch manot package as well, and still had over $1200 to donate to Mazon, Philabundance, and International Hunger programs. People who love to bake get together and contribute their goodies, which are included in the baskets, increasing the amount that can be given to tzedakah. They also include interesting educational materials and environmental information.