Megilla in the Park: We Come to You!

I just saw a heart-warming article from Arutz 7, about an incredible initiative for Megilla reading on Purim. In the midst of a difficult national, communal, and personal period, it is so uplifting to read about initiatives like these.

The idea of this wonderful organization called Lev Yehudi is that so many 'secular' Jews in Israel feel uncomfortable with going into a shul to hear the Megilla being read. So, they are organizing lots of Megilla readings in more neutral or relaxed environments, such as parks, private homes, and offices. There is a lot of interest for these events, which is so inspiring to hear. The people behind Lev/Rosh Yehudi understand that there are so many people who want to hear the Megilla, to connect to the deep spiritual aspects of Purim and Jewish life in general, but who are scared of entering shuls because of media- or culturally-spread prejudice, bad experiences in the past, or a feeling of discomfort with the strict and seemingly uncompromising ritual and its proponents, the 'religious' Jews. So, instead of bringing the people to the Megilla, Rosh Yehudi brings the Megilla to the people! What a wonderful idea, and what awesome love for one's fellow Jew.

We often are led to believe that Israeli society is so polarized, but here is proof, or a reminder, that things are so often not what they seem... just like Purim.

For more details, please read the article over here.