News and Updates from the Community

Dear Friends,

We now find ourselves in the second month of Adar and so it's time to outline this year's Purim festivities. These are, of course, exceptional times, but with recent declining rates of local COVID positivity we are relatively optimistic that our Purim observance will be somewhat normal. "Normal." Of course, there will be several safety precautions in place.

Purim begins Wednesday, March 16th. We plan to gather that night for Maariv at 7:00 PM and then read the Megillah at 7:15 PM. This reading - like all synagogue services and events - is restricted to the fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated children younger than 5 are welcome. To enter you must bring proof of vaccination. (If you are immunocompromised, you are invited to join over Zoom, here.) Following the Megillah there will be a celebration in our Social Hall.

The following morning we will convene an 8:00 AM Shacharit which will be followed by the Megillah at 8:30 AM. (If you are immunocompromised, you are invited to join over Zoom, here.)

Sponsorship - The Committee for Purim Chaos is actively plotting various chaotic activities, toned down and consistent with our COVID protocols, but that require some financial support as well as assistance in setting up. For more information and/or to sponsor something, please click to our Purim Chaos page.

Purim Charity - Matanot L'Evyonim (gifts to the poor) is arguably the most important mitzvah of Purim. In the course of our own joy, we make it our duty to share with others, thus amplifying the spirit of unity that we read about in the Megillah, and extending the divine generosity shown to our people. In the spirit of modern Religious Humanism, we extend this kindness to both our Jewish and non-Jewish neighbors. This Purim we will again partner with Rabbi Zvi Romm of the Bialystoker Synagogue, Rabbi Joe Wolfson of JLIC-NYU and the NYU community, the Bowery Mission, the Masbia Soup Kitchen Network, and Knock Knock Give a Sock, in providing gifts to those in our neighborhood who truly need our assistance. You may make a donation here or Venmo us @sixthstreetsynagogue (be sure to specify Purim Charity!). Of course you may also bring in a check (made out to Sixth Street Community Synagogue Rabbi's Discretionary) or cash before or on Purim.

Kid's Post-Purim Party - There will be a party for the Kommunity Kinder on Sunday, March 20th at 11:00 AM. Details to follow.

Freilichen Purim!!!