Purim offers a terrific release from the mundane a time of pure celebration enveloped in a carnival mask. Even as we recount the heroic deeds of Esther in the Megillah, small feet stamp and mouths roar whenever Hamans name is mentioned. Purims serious foundation a queen risking everything for her people is balanced by costumes, parades and spiels that make willing fools of all of us.
Its traditional on Purim to send mishloach manot. Technically, this means the sending of portions. Dont get us wrong. Purim baskets are sweet surprises that never fail to delight. But today, many are in dire need of expanding their portions and we arent talking about hamantaschen. People need to know other people are thinking about them. So send a Purim basket, by all means, but go a step further. Call a friend and ask, How are you doing? If that person needs you to come over, go. You dont have to save an entire people; just be there for one person. (And this time, dont forget the hamantaschen.)