What We Write About Becomes Who We Are

Or why I give out mishloach manot, even though that isn't the tradition in my home community.

As I’m putting the final polish on the book, I’m noticing how much I’ve been changed by writing it. Some of the changes are seismic, such as my move from apathy towards to deep commitment to Israel. Others are smaller, like lighting the menorah in my window instead of at the table or kashering my kitchen before Passover. But the truth is that I really enjoy these new ways of being. And I think I’m supposed to say I enjoy them because they hold great spiritual meaning to me, but really, I just think they are kind of fun. They break up the week, the year, the lifecycle in ways that bring me joy. (I’m less attracted to the traditions that aren’t fun. I still don’t wear a headcovering when I go to shul, or frankly even go to shul except on important holidays.)

One of my favorite is giving mishloach manot, the gift of food given between women on Purim.

I’ve stopped giving out homemade hamantaschen because 1. I’m a lousy baker and 2. it’s not the kind of semester where I have time to make them. So this year, I’ve had to make them interesting by shopping rather than baking.

I was pretty excited to find instant matzo ball soup from Nooish, but I’ll be honest, it’s not great. It’ll make it in, but with a little sticky note that says “more for the fun of the idea than actual eating.”

But the highlight of this years gift, for a very few people who I know will think it’s fun and/or funny, are gummies from Tokin Chews. (I don’t partake myself. I am one of those people who does not enjoy being high. It makes me terribly self-conscious and also a little frightened.) I love this company, and this little burst of Jewish silliness in what has been a very hard time. What’s not to love about (perfectly legal everywhere, and kosher) weed gummies in Guava Nagila flavor? Even if you are absolutely not someone who partakes, I encourage you to give yourself a few minutes of Jewish happiness by enjoying the many puns and irreverent jokes on their website.

We will be in Vegas on Erev Purim, where I’ll be dressed as a very tired tourist headed to the airport. What will your Purim costume be, friend?

Shabbat shalom!

Sarah