From the Rabbi - March 2005

Dear Friends,

Ahhhh Purim… The festival of frivolity; the one time of year when we are commanded to make fools of ourselves. I must confess: I have a love/hate relationship with Purim. There are years that I revel in preparing, planning and plotting the most outrageous Purim surprises I can find. Other years, I'm less enthusiastic. This year, I'm definitely in the pro-Purim camp. The world has become a very serious place as of late. We need opportunities to cut loose a little bit. When we celebrate Purim we do more than tell an ancient tale and dress up in costume.  Purim teaches that we should not always take ourselves so seriously. Yes, it is true that Purim is an improbable story about a leader who attempts to implement regime change in the Persian Gulf… but that's only a story isn't it?

This year, I want to encourage everyone to get into the Purim spirit. Come to the Megillah reading - young and old. Wear a costume. Go to the wonderful play, "Esther" performed by the youth of our congregation and produced and directed by Gwen Robinson.  Purchase raffle tickets and Hamentaschen at the Purim Carnival. Be happy, it's Adar.  It's Purim. Enjoy!

In honor of Purim, I want to re-introduce what I hope will become the annual Congregation Albert Renaming Acronym Contest or "C.A.R.A.C." All members of Congregation Albert are invited to submit an acronym for A.L.B.E.R.T.

Three years ago, I gave the following examples to stir your creative juices:

For those who are fond of music:

Accordionists Love Bavarian Eastern Rhythmic Tangos

Newspaper headlines:

Applesauce Lovers Bring Energetic Ringmaster to Town.

Aphorisms:

A Lost Bear Endures Restrictive Trees

Pomposity:

Anti Loquaciousness Bespeaks of Energetic Restrictions on Talking

Words of Wisdom:

A Losing Barrister Employs Ranting Tirades.
Accept Loss Because Every Rule is Temporary

And, my favorite:

Ample Loving Brings Energy, Reward and Twinkies.

I look forward to seeing you (in costume) on Purim.

B'shalom,
Rabbi Joseph R. Black

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