Timely Program Ideas

Timely Program Ideas
Department of Congregational Programming
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
155 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY 10010
212-533-7800 ext 2620

TPI 10: A Purim Project - Shalach Manot

The book of Esther tells us that the Jews of Shushan celebrated their deliverance from Haman by sending gifts (Shalach Manot) to one another. The rabbis decreed that this mode of sharing the joy of the festival should become one of the central mitzvot of the holiday.

Today, for Purim, other mitzvot have been stressed and observed. Yet, giving is an essential part of any Jewish celebration. Usually, we are encouraged to remember those who are less fortunate (an essential Purim mitzvah), but on Purim we are also given the opportunity to show our love and care for our own family and friends. Shalach Manot allow us to share the joy of the festival and to rejoice in and enhance the closeness of the Jewish community.

What are Shalach Manot?

While the book of Esther does not specify the type of present sent in Shushan, Shalach Manot are customarily gifts of two kinds of prepared foods. (In Israel gifts are not exchanged on Hanukkah but on Purim, and all types of presents are given). Shalach Manot can include baked goods, fruit, candy, a bottle of wine or juice, nuts and a token amount of money. At least two types of food are sent because it is traditional to send two presents to each recipient to emphasize the joyous nature of the festival.

To Whom Should Shalach Manot Be Sent?

Shalach Manot are sent to friends and family. They can be sent to anyone with whom you wish to share the joy of our deliverance both in the ancient past, and throughout Jewish history. It is traditional that they be sent via a third party, but delivery is the key to the mitzvah.

Purim Program

The Shalach Manot program is designed to enable the congregation to share in the observance of this mitzvah. Everyone in the congregation receives a package, and everyone has the opportunity to participate in the program sending their fellow congregants holiday greetings.

Description of Program

Basic Shalach Manot packages are sent to each member of the congregation on or immediately before Purim. These packages include a greeting from the synagogue, and from members of the synagogue who are asked for greetings to be sent.

Step #1 - A list of all members is sent to each congregant (you could send it with the normal congregational mailing). Members are asked to mark off any congregants to whom they wish to send Purim greetings. There might be a five-dollar donation, for the first name checked off, and an additional dollar for each subsequent name. Your congregation can set the fee based on your particular needs and the type of gifts. Congregants should be asked to return these lists to the synagogue by a predetermined date.

Congregants should be encouraged to give more than the minimum amount. They should be told that any profits from the program will be used for tzedakah. Giving charity to the poor and needy (Matanot L'evyonim) is also a particular mitzvah on Purim.

Congregations may want to identify a charity (i.e., food bank- or homeless shelter) in the mailing as a way to encourage congregants to give generously. MAZON or MAZON CANADA are appropriate charities to support during Purim. These organizations enable the Jewish community to identify with the needs of the hungry and contribute to their relief. For further information contact MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, 2940 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310)-470-7769.

(Please note, each congregational family or unit will receive only one package, it is only the list of greetings which will differ.)

Step #2 - Shalach Manot packages should be prepared sufficiently before Purim to ensure that each member of the congregation receives his/hers on time. Keep the packages simple. Shalach Manot traditionally include at least two different types of baked goods or ready to eat food. You may want to include some type of fruit (i.e., a small box of raisins), or a miniature bottle of kosher wine or grape juice.

Since the packages are being sent (for the most part) to families, be sure to put a few of each of the baked goods in the box or bag. Make certain to include something for the children.

The baked goods could be purchased or prepared in the synagogue kitchen. Recipes can be found in any Jewish cookbook. A package might include:

2-4 Hamantashen
2-4 Chocolates
Fruit
Nuts
A small bottle of grape juice

The mode of delivery will be an important factor in the decision of how the Shalach Manot should be packaged. If they are sent by mail they will need to be packed in boxes. If, however, they are packed up by congregants or hand delivered, then they can be packed in bags, boxes, or baskets. Congregations may want to have these specially printed with "Happy Purim," or Hag Purim Sameach."

Each package should also contain a greeting from the rabbi, cantor and board, as well as greetings from members who checked off their name.

Other People to Whom Shalach Manot Could be Sent

You may want to send Shalach Manot to all college students from the congregation.
You may want to send them to Jewish residents of facilities for the frail elderly (and perhaps other aged homebound Jews). It's important to remember the aged and share festival joy with them. The package should be tailored to the diet of older people.
You may decide to send special greetings to new members in your congregation.
You could send packages to potential members in the community.

Notes

Congregations that feel that it may be too expensive or complicated to send packages to all their members, may want to send Shalach Manot only to people who have been checked off on the list that was sent out.

Congregations who wish to use this program as a fundraiser may want to request five dollars for each name checked off.

Congregations that wish to be more ambitious about the contents of the package may want to plan thematic Shalach Manot. Everything in the package might be animal shaped or everything might be produced in Israel. And, of course, everything must be kosher. Happy Purim to all.