Celebrate Purim With JTS

This year's Purim celebration at JTS—bigger, funnier, and open to the public—will feature live music, a full megillah reading (chanted by JTS students), and amusing commentary and interaction by members of Storahtelling. The free event will take place on Wednesday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. in Feinberg Auditorium. RSVPs requested at wlss@jtsa.edu.

Please note, the evening's megillah reading and Purim Shpiel (rated PG-18) is geared toward adults.

In the spirit of Purim, we will welcome Storahtelling's "Rebbetzin Hadassah Gross," who will join us from Boca Raton, Florida, to share her energy and wisdom as she takes to the stage of JTS's Feinberg Auditorium. Named the "First Lady of Judeo-Kitsch" by Heeb Magazine, Rebbetzin Gross is an international lecturer and motivational speaker who shares her expertise in the oral tradition, Hasidic teachings, and practical Kabbalah. Hungarian born, she is the widow of six distinguished Hasidic rabbis. The rebbetzin is primarily involved with philanthropic efforts, and makes annual visits to New York City on the occasion of Purim.

Storahtelling is an international network of artists and educators—including a number of JTS students, faculty, and alumni—who make ancient stories and traditions accessible for new generations, advancing Judaic literacy and raising social consciousness. Please arrive early and have photo ID available for the March 7 Purim Shpiel. JTS Purim services with megillah reading will take place the following morning on Thursday, March 8, at 8:30 a.m., in the Women's League Seminary Synagogue.

Following Wednesday evening's Purim festivities at JTS, the rebbetzin will lead a Purim Tish at Kehillat Romemu on the Upper West Side. All are invited.

Purim Writings

"God Helps Those Who Help Themselves," by Dr. Raymond P. Scheindlin, professor of Medieval Hebrew Literature and director of the Shalom Spiegel Institute of Medieval Hebrew Poetry, JTS

How is it possible to tell a story of redemption without even once mentioning the name of God?

In the story of Purim, the Jews overcome their enemies and are saved from destruction. In the story of Exodus, the archetypal tale of national salvation, the main actor is God. It is God who vanquishes the Egyptians through miracles and wonders; the Jews accept redemption passively. And Exodus serves as the foundation of the historic belief in the chosenness of Israel and in God's promise that He would be available in times of trouble.

Although Megillat Esther hints at such a special providence, it is not the main emphasis of the book. Its focus is on the people of Israel, not God. Its purpose is to teach active political responsibility, not passive faith in divine providence.

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Purim Resources From The Library

With the largest collection of Hebraica and Judaica in the Western Hemisphere, The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary has a wealth of resources to help celebrate Purim.

The selections below on Rabbinic, Religious, and Historical Books, CDs and DVDs, and Resources for Children, were curated from The Library's vast collection and we invite you to visit The Library to explore them in depth.

Rabbinic, Religious, and Historical Books:

CDs and DVDs:

Resources for Children:

Purim Cards

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