Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

We welcome in the Hebrew month of Adar (Rosh Chodesh Adar) next week and we begin our preparations for Purim, which occurs on the 14 Adar. 

This year Erev Purim takes place on Monday evening 6 March 2023, with synagogues and communities across Sydney celebrating with Megilah readings and fun activities. On Monday evening Emanuel Synagogue will be holding its famous comedic and musical Purim Shpiel. 

Our School celebrations will take place on Tuesday 7 March 2023, with special activities and celebrations, and of course Purim dress ups. More information on our Purim festivities will be shared with families next week.

The Talmud (Ta’anit 29a:18 ) states: 

“מִשֶּׁנִּכְנַס אֲדָר מֵרַבִּין בְּשִׂמְחָה” 

 “with the entering of the month of Adar, we increase in happiness”

One way we aim to bring joy and happiness to our school community at this time is with a whole school Shabbat celebration and a day called “רֹאשׁ לָרֶגֶל”, which means “Head to Foot”. 

On Friday 24 February 2023 we will bring colour and fun to our day by tweaking the school uniform with CRAZY HATS (fun hats and wigs) for Primary students and KRAZY KICKS (wacky shoes and socks) for High School students. Students are asked to bring a gold coin tzedakah contribution on this day.

The focus for our Purim tzedakah (and the Purim mitzvah of Matanot La’evyonim – Gifts to the Poor) will be OzHarvest. In the lead up to Purim we will be also be collecting food that OzHarvest will distribute to provide food relief for the growing number of people doing it tough in our community at this time.

We look forward to filling the month of Adar with fun, festivities, joy, happiness and a sense of gratitude for all that we enjoy.