From the Rabbi

Purim and Passover. Mardi Gras and Easter. Feasting and Fasting. Over-doing it and then planning on limits. Days on a mountain = 40; years in a desert = 40. Days of special preparation = 40. Special rituals. Sacred texts. Revered figures. Wild celebration followed by solemnity followed by celebration. Confusing? Naw. The deep meanings of so many Jewish and Christian holidays that are near to each other in the year cycle have significant consonances. Purim, in addition to being a holiday of serious fun, is the signal to start getting serious about Passover preparation, as well as a sign of more than just a calendar convergence with the Christian Easter season. Enjoy the nascent signs of spring – and start preparing to ring in the new year (yes, Passover is in the first month of the Jewish year) with joy and meaning.