Many a rabbi cringes at the description of Purim as Jewish Halloween. Although there are doubtless similarities between the two, namely the focus on candy and costumes, the differences are vast. As a sort of teachable moment, Hebrew School educators will make an important distinction between the two holidays to their students. Halloween’s trick-or-treaters threaten consequences as horrific as egging and toilet papering should their demand for sweets not be met. Purim on the other hand commands us to go door to door delivering unsolicited treats to friends and neighbors in an early educational lesson on the importance of beneficence and community.
The focus on fancy dress emerges from a murkier history. Megillat Esther records four specific commandments related to the holiday of Purim: read the Megillah, enjoy a festive meal, send gifts of food to one another and give alms to the poor. The first rabbinic mention of dressing up that is still extant comes from the medieval era. Rabbi Judah Minz, a German who in 1462 fled a pogrom in Mainz to serve a congregation in Padua, Italy received a question as to whether it is permitted for men to wear women’s clothing and vice versa on Purim.
In his responsum, Rabbi Minz quotes the 11th century German rabbis Eliakim ben Meshullam and his son-in-law the Riba writing that “from the time of the reading of the Megillah until the conclusion of the Purim meal…such unruly behavior will only last two nights and one day. So long as they do not engage in pillaging or have any intent of committing a licentious act and so long as the communal administrators do not disapprove of their actions, they should not be called beforre before the rabbinical court, for whatever they did was in the spirit of Purim.”
The rabbinical record demonstrates that far from permitting a practice that had hitherto been forbidden, Rabbi Minz was more likely condoning annual festive behavior that was already widespread. Word had gotten around Europe that Venetian Jews knew how to party and so Rabbi Minz dug around to find an earlier, unimpeachable rabbi whose opinion could not be argued with and so provided succor to those who wished to enjoy Purim despite the killjoys telling them to go straight home after the Megillah reading. Rabbi Minz’s ruling would ultimately be made authoritative by the 16th century Rabbi Moshe Isserles (the Rema) whose synagogue still stands in Krakow. The Rema comments on the Shulchan Aruch/Code of Jewish Law that “the custom of wearing masks on Purim, and of crossdressing, is totally permitted because of its innocent and joyful purpose…While some would prohibit it, our practice is as I have already said…However, you may do only as local elders permit.”
Thankfully, both the communal administrators and local elders in Tokyo very much encourage coming in costume to enjoy the wonderful Purim party that awaits us on Saturday night. In deference to Rabbi Minz, we humbly request you refrain from pillaging and licentious acts however. Maybe steer clear of Kabukicho, if only for one evening.
Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach!
Services
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, March 22nd
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Zachor – Parshat Vayikra – Erev Purim
Kiddush sponsored by the Guyton Family in celebration of their 6th Wedding Anniversary
Dvar Torah by Denes Ban
Saturday, March 23rd
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush: 12:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, March 29th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, April 5th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat HaChodesh – Parshat Shmini
Kiddush open for sponsorship
Saturday, April 6th
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush: 12:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, April 12th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Friday Night Dinner Reservations can made on our website: https://jccjapan.jp/shabbat-meals-sign-up/
Events
The World’s Best Purim Party
Sponsored by the Karp Family
Kegs (plural) and cases of craft brews sponsored by Baird Beer
Saturday night, March 23rd
Megillah Reading: ~6:30pm
Klezmer by Jinta-la-Mvta: 8:00pm
Registration Details: https://jccjapan.jp/event-registration/
Stay tuned for film screenings, cooking classes and lectures
If you have an idea for an event or a topic you would like to share with others, please visit our website: https://jccjapan.jp/event-committee-inquiry/
Announcements
Passover reservations are open! Catch the early bird discount before it flies away. Please see our website for details: https://jccjapan.jp/passover/
Omedetou Gozaimasu to the JCC students who just graduated from Japanese schools. As parents of a child attending a Japanese hoikuen, we strongly approve. May your spirit of Yamato Damashii and Nihonjinron help you excel so that someday soon the Keidanren sees fit to help you secure Shūshin Koyō during Shinsotsu Saiyō. Or you can use your multilingualism to go overseas. Word is Ohtani-san needs a new tsūyaku. May you go from strength to strength. Mazal Tov and Ganbatte!
Mazal Tov to Bernie Bluestein, Seymour Nussenbaum and the entire WWII Ghost Army on receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. The incredible story of the unit was only declassified in 1996. It’s a good Shabbos read if you have the time: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2024-03-21/ghost-army-congressional-gold-medal-13385232.html
Mazal Tov to the Bodenheimer Family on Ami’s team from Seisen being selected to compete in Houston’s highly competitive Conrad Challenge. Named after the third man to walk on the moon, the Conrad Foundation works with Space Center Houston (as in Houston, we have a problem) to help create the next generation of entrepreneurs who will change the world. Don’t forget us when your company IPOs!
Yiddish Club with Jack Halpern: Please contact Jack at jack@cjki.org if you are interested to join. All levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced. Much more than just language, the club’s monthly meetings explore Yiddish culture as well.
Shabbat Vayikra
Candle Lighting: 5:36pm
Havdala: 6:33pm