The Talmudic Sages said we should celebrate Purim with a public reading of the Megillah, by giving gifts of food to friends, having a festive meal and, by giving charity to the poor.
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.
Last year was the first time our Congregation offered the baskets. I’m sure everyone that received one, remembers it well. Like last year we will have an adult and a child’s basket.
The baskets will contain:
Child: Hot chocolate mix, crackers and cheese dip, pretzels, skittles, hamantaschen, a grogger and a mask.
Adult: Hamantaschen, tea, a piece of fruit, chocolate wafer, two biscotti, dark chocolate and a mask.
The baskets are $5.00 each. Discounts are available:
Receive 1 free basket for each 10 you purchase.
Send a basket to every synagogue member for $150.
Please note: We are often asked how we can sell the baskets for $5.00 and make any money. We can make money because no matter how many baskets are ordered for an individual, that person will receive one basket with a card. The card will list the names of everyone that purchased a basket for that individual.
So we ask that you begin thinking about people that you would like to send a Purim Basket. Send the list and a check, payable to Sha’are Shalom, to Madelene Weinberger, 4826 Bryantown Road, Waldorf, MD 20601. The last day to place an order is March 12th. The baskets will be ready for pick up March 19th.