There are four mitzvot associated with Purim:  Mikra Megillah (the reading of the Megillah), Seudat Purim (the festive meal), Mishloah Manot (exchanging of gift baskets), and Matanot l'Evyonim (gifts to the poor).  

Next Friday, March 14, between recess and lunch, our third and fourth grade students will be going to B'nai Simcha, our sister (pre)school, to share in their Purim assembly.  The fourth grade students will be chanting selections from Megillat Ester, "The Scroll of Esther," in the original language and with the unique cantillation which they learned especially for this program.  Our third grade students will be performing a variety of Purim Chailights of favorite holiday songs. It is always fun to go to B'nai to see future Weizmann students and beloved faculty and friends.

On Monday, March 17, please send your child to school dressed in a comfortable costume which will be worn all day. For safety reasons, we ask that no one wear masks of any kind; violent or macabre characters and weapons are also not allowed.  If your child prefers not to dress in costume, a Weizmann shirt is perfectly fine.

Everyone will be able to partake of fun and treats at our Annual School Seudat Purim. The Purim carnival, held in the Social Hall, will begin at 11:00 am.  At lunch time, Hamantashen (Purim cookies) will be provided for all of the students.

After lunch, at 1:15 pm, everyone is invited to join us in Knell Chapel to hear Mikra Megillah with our 4th grade students chanting Megillat Ester for our community.

Upon returning to class after Knell Chapel, the students will be exchanging Mishloah Manot through a lottery system (the name of the holiday is derived from the Hebrew word, pur, "lot") in their classrooms.  So that everyone may enjoy the custom of exchanging food baskets with friends, we ask that each student prepare a decorated paper bag at home filled with three different food/treat items (e.g., a granola bar, piece of fruit, bag of chips, etc.) that will be exchanged within each classroom. NO NUTS PLEASE!!

The mitzvah of Matanot l'Evyonim, giving "gifts that help those in need," will be observed by all of the students in a specific grade-level, class activity.  Please watch for information from your child's homeroom teacher about what each student needs to bring for their class mitzvah project.

This week on Sunday and Monday we welcomed the new Jewish month of Adar - Mi Shenikhnas Adar Marbim Simhah, "Entering the Month of Adar Brings Happiness."  (Since it is a leap year, we welcomed Adar Bet.)  Hearing about all the fun-filled festivities we have planned for the month, we hope you will agree that celebrating Purim at Weizmann is definitely happy!

~Shabbat Shalom

Lisa