This post is brought to you by Shir Libeynu:
This year, Congregation Shir Libeynu’s pre-Purim service paid tribute to women of courage from the present as well as the past. Our Shabbat service on Saturday, March 3rd, co-led by our chazzan Daniela Gesundheit and Eden Nameri, was dedicated to Women Of the Wall. The morning began earlier than usual for those who took part in the pre-service laughter yoga session led by Helen Bauer. Daniela and Eden were already in costume as ultra-Orthodox men; beads and feather boas were distributed to those who also wished to dress up for Purim. Our service began with singing, led by Daniela, then a brief talk about the history of WOW. Right before the Barchu, we read the prayer recited by Women Of the Wall at each of their services. While leading us in prayer, Daniela spoke about the Misheberach as a conduit for compassion as well as healing. In celebration of Purim, we recited the prayer for miracles and for the reading of the Megillah. The children, piped in by Vered Philip, paraded in to show off their Purim costumes. The choir sang four Purim songs and everyone joined in with their groggers. The noisemaking continued with the booing of Haman during Eden’s lively rendition of the Book of Esther. A highlight of the post-service Kiddush was the delicious hamentashen made by the Simon family.