by Elaine McVinney
For those who are new to our Congregation, Sha’are Shalom celebrates Purim in a big way: Purim Baskets, homemade hamantaschen, and a party are all part of our celebration.
Purim Baskets
The Purim Basket began as a way to ensure that each person had food for the festive meal. It has developed into a tradition of sending baskets to friends and relatives as a sign of friendship. As in many other congregations, the sale of Purim Baskets is one of our major fundraisers.
We have both children’s and adult baskets, with a different selection of delicious snacks for each type. When people see the baskets and the contents, they can see that they could easily cost $5 to make, and ask, “How can you sell the baskets for $5 and make money?” The answer is that if six people order a basket for one person, that person gets a single basket, not six baskets. Each basket comes with a card listing the name of everyone who ordered the basket for that person. Some very generous people order a basket for every family of the congregation.
So now it’s time to think about your friends in Sha’are Shalom or your neighbors to whom you would like to give a basket, and don’t forget our children in the Religious School.
Baskets for Congregation Sha’are Shalom members:
– 1-3 baskets are $5 each
– 4-10 baskets are $4 each
– 11 or more are $3.50 each
– Baskets for the whole congregation are $150
– Baskets for the whole Religious School are $94
Children’s and adult baskets are the same price. Baskets going to non-members are $5 each, regardless of quantity.
Baskets may be picked up at the Purim Party on Saturday, March 19, or after 4 pm on that date. If that is not convenient, arrangements can be made. Baskets not picked up by the end of the party will be recycled unless arrangements have been made.
Party Time! Sat, March 19, 5:30 pm
We will have food, a Parade of Costumes and reading of the Megillah. Of course everyone knows you can’t properly read the Megillah without groggers. Not to worry! Groggers will be provided. We encourage everyone to come in costume because our Parade of Costumes is always a lot of fun. You can be anyone you want that evening, no limitations. So let your imagination run wild and see if you can stump us as we try to guess who you are.
Our menu is pizza, salad, drinks, and dessert. The price is $5 per adult and $3 for children ages 5 to 10. Children under 5 are free.
Hamantaschen
The bakers of Sha’are Shalom are again offering homemade hamantaschen. The price is $7 per dozen and the minimum order is one dozen of the same flavor. You may select from Nutella, poppy, apricot, prune or raspberry.
Reservation/Order Deadline
Baskets, Party, and Hamantaschen:
It’s all March 12!
When ordering
Baskets: Send a list of basket recipients’ names and specify if they are for adults or children, boys or girls, members or non-members.
Hamantaschen: Please specify the flavor and number of dozen.
Party: Please specify whether adults or children and the names.
Delivery
The baskets and hamantaschen will be available at the party Saturday, Mar 19. If you will not be at the party, you may pick up your purchases at the temple that day beginning at 4 pm. Baskets that are not picked up by Saturday, Mar 19 will be recycled unless arrangements have been made.
Your reservation for the party is secured with a check. You can pay for the Purim Party, Baskets and Hamentaschen with one check.
You can make reservations for the party and order Hamantaschen and baskets by contacting Elaine at mcvinneys@gmail.com or mail your check to Elaine McVinney, 2703 Hidden Valley Road, Accokeek, MD 20607. Please make all checks payable to Congregation Sha’are Shalom and mail to the address above.