Variation on a Theme

I've never been a big fan of Purim "themes". I think the theme of Purim should be, well, Purim. But I'm stepping off my soapbox this year and joining in the Purim fun by sharing some photos of what's been going here in preparation for the holiday...and then, my own Variation on a Theme (with appreciation to all the great classical composers who did the same). There's really nothing quite like Purim in Israel...

costumes galore

hamantashen in every store

tons of paper goods are sold

smiling faces - young...

...and old.

I could go on (I've got lots more pics!) but I don't think any of us has time for that with Purim being on Friday this year! So I will conclude with this Variation on the Theme of my last blog post.

Above, our Mishloach Manos for some of the wonderful families 

who went above and beyond in welcoming us Home to Afula. 

Package ingredients are highlighted in bold in this accompanying poem:

Many hours of our past two months in Afula

were spent traveling to and shopping at IKEA.

Baruch Hashem, they satisfied most of our apartment needs

and in the process, we learned a lot about the Swedes.

They like to eat herring and munch crisp bread

(but we’re substituting Osem crackers instead).

The wine is Israeli but bought in their shop.

We hope you’ll enjoy it ‘til the very last drop.

Swiss chocolate has no connection to the IKEA name

but at least the first letters of both countries are the same.

Wishing you a Purim Sameyach and a Shabbat Shalom.

And thank you so much for your warm “Welcome Home”! 

When our Purim is done and Shabbat begins here in Afula, I will Remember Jerusalem and smile as they enter Day Two of their rare three-day Purim celebration. And I will be thinking of my dear family and friends outside the Land who are just beginning their Day One. All part of the fun and mystery of the happiest holiday on the Jewish calendar. Themed or not or a variation on one, may the joy of Purim lead us all into the redemption of Pesach, just four short weeks away... ;-)

אשר ישלטו היהודים המה בשנאיהם