Letter from the Editor: The Gifts we Bring

Tayere leyeners,

Last year, I was yet again concerned that a jocular Purim issue might not be appropriate given the dire circumstances the world found itself in. I wrote a letter saying, “I can only pray [this letter] will not become an annual apology for even considering laughing in the face of so much suffering and death.”

The prayer was not answered.

Here we are again, at a time when the absurdities and excesses of Ahasuerus and Haman are at our doorsteps, causing suffering around the globe; when calls for boycotts and protests echo Esther’s call that the Jews of Shushan should refrain from food and drink in the Ta’anit Esther, the Fast of Esther, in solidarity with Esther’s brave mission to reverse Haman’s cruel decree; when we are faced with bleak realities but hold on to the belief that they can be reversed.

And here we are again, sending out our Purim issue of In geveb, our little bit of silliness that we insist on spreading, even when it is hard to find a way toward joy. Together with our satire, we bring you a glimpse of Purims past, from Purim balls in Poland and Brazil to Purim celebrations of liberation among those living in a DP camp in Germany directly after World War II. They remind us of the need for celebration, even in a time of mourning.

The Talmud specifies that on Purim one is obligated to send at least two presents to one friend. Readers, you are our friends, and these articles are our gifts to you. We hope you find something here to sweeten your days and nourish you, especially in these bleak times.

Jessica Kirzane, Editor-in-chief & the editorial staff of In geveb