Tzohar, an Israeli organization designed to bridge the gap between the religious and secular communities, hosted megilla readings and Purim
celebrations in over 80 locations throughout the country, bringing the holiday to over 20,000 people.
For many Israelis, this was the first introduction to the traditions behind the holiday, Tzohar said.
“Almost every Israeli associates Purim with dressing up and letting loose, and they all love the holiday,” said Nachman Rosenberg, executive vice president for Tzohar. “Yet they are rarely able to associate that passion with the values behind the day. We were so pleased to help them connect with Purim as a day that is not just fun but a central part of Jewish values and tradition. Tzohar aims to find opportunities where Jewish Identity can become a source of national unity rather than separation. What better occasion than Purim, a fun holiday, that is celebrated in almost every Jewish home in Israel?”
The Purim program was sponsored in memory of Dr. Leon Kronitz, one of the founding members of the Canadian Zionist Federation and Executive Vice President of the WZO. Participants were provided with a special Megillat Esther which includes the traditional text, explanations of the story of Purim and where the specific practices of the holiday, including giving charity and sending food baskets, come from.
“Our goal is to help secular Israelis feel less alienated when it comes to religious practice and show them that there are many ways to embrace religion and become spiritually involved with one’s Judaism,” said Rabbi David Stav, Chairman of Tzohar.
“We know that despite being classified as ‘secular’, many Israelis have a very strong Jewish identity and love Jewish tradition,” he said.
Each year, thousands of Israeli families, who choose to be married by Jewish tradition, use the various services provided by Tzohar’s men and women volunteers across Israel, the organization said.
“Israelis welcome a refreshing opportunity to embrace their Jewish Identity in a way that is not coercive or forceful” Rosenberg says. “Programs such as this promote Jewish unity, a value that is deeply existential in our eyes”.
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