Chronicle poll results: Purim

We asked our readers what their favorite aspect of Purim is. Here's what they said.

Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “What is your favorite aspect of Purim?” Of the 140 people who responded, 34% said, “Festive eating and drinking; 23% said, “Megillah reading”; 23% said, “Purim carnival, costumes and spiel”; 10% said, “Giving food or money to those in need”; and 10% said, “Exchanging food baskets with friends and family.” Comments were submitted by 34 people. A few follow.

The unique tradition (seemingly worldwide in almost every house of worship) of Jews being creative in their respective spiels when the Megillah is read is something I always cherish.

I love the hamantaschen. I used to cook these with my mother and I now buy them from the Orthodox synagogue where I live. Nice memories.

Reading from my own Megillah.

“Mishloach manot” is a singular Jewish concept: to think about providing for others while expressing gratitude for managing to survive yet another existential crisis.

Purim is a nice time for children and families to have fun in a Jewish context.

Victory of light over darkness — just as I hope to envision it again soon!

Purim is another opportunity to give to others.

I take great joy in seeing the Purim plays that my grandsons appear in.

The memories of celebrating Purim with my family as a child. Singing holiday songs with my dad and siblings, and eating my mother’s and grandmother’s hamantaschen.

Too bad there was no option for all the above! Purim is the unique combination of pure fun and joy, and deeply profound spiritual meaning, something for grown-ups and something for kids. Well worth participating in every single aspect and opportunity of this joyous day!

My favorite part about Purim is the complicated story and our community’s response to it. We don’t minimize or bury the complexities. We study it, detangle it, acknowledge its strengths and shortcomings (and our own), and ultimately, gain wisdom and light. The spiels, delicious food, costumes and joviality make it so much sweeter!

I like everything about our holiday of Purim! PJC