PPLD (Post Purim Let-Down)
And just like that…it is over. I have been working on Purim since CHESHVAN! And it is not as though I’ll have nothing with which to occupy my time.
The greater the build-up, the greater the fall. I think that I enjoyed thisyear’s shpiel more than any other. Why was this year different from all other years? I’m so glad that you asked. This year, I turned over the director’s chair to someone else. Since this is my final Purim here at Congregation FITB (Fill-in-the-Blank), it seemed like the right time to hand off the responsibility to capable hands. More capable hands, as it turned out. Our director far surpassed what I could have done with the cast. With an added benefit — I got to enjoy the entire process rather than obsess over it. I could focus more on preparing the service, Megillah chanting, and so forth.
The sanctuary was overflowing, as it should be. You wanna know how to get your rabbi in a good mood? Come to shul. Really. BossGiraffe and I could not help but grin at the sight of so many folks. The service was quick and noisy, but we didn’t care. A shul full of Jews, decked out in all sorts of garb, fulfilling the mitzvah of hearing the Story of Esther. And what a Megillah-reading it was! Aided by resounding cries of l’chaim, followed by sips of Slivovitz, the reading was silly, provacative, ridiculous, and appropriately-INappropriate. And then we got to the shpiel!
That was Saturday night. Sunday morning saw the shul strained at its seams. For the first time, I believe in our nearly thirty-five year history, inclement weather forced us inside. The building was bursting with frivolity. And frolicking. And, of course, food.
So that by the time Sunday evening rolled around, I found myself a bit down. The magic carpet ride of Purim pulled out from beneath me. Leaving a new feeling in its place…
PMS — Pre-Matzah Syndrome
One month and counting…
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Thank you for your understanding...and gut Shabbos!!! 
Frume Sarah's World 
I am so glad you wrote about this topic. I had a let down too, but mine was when I attended services on Fri. night. I was really looking forward to taking Shayla to what was always my favorite holiday and favorite service growing up. Queen Esther, aka Shayla, and I arrived and discovered that there was no service or Megillah reading, just the Shpiel. There still were grogers, but it’s just not the same during a play. The play was just okay, I would feel bad saying otherwise because I know people put a lot of time and work into it. However it was NOT kid friendly. Next year I will have to do some more research to find out when the Megillah reading actually is. Until then I will just have to listen to Shayla tell everyone how Quenn Vashti wouldn’t dance naked since that’s what she got out of the 2 hour Shpiel.
For some reason, your synagogue did the shpiel on Friday night, and then held the Megillah reading and service on erev Purim. I am sure they had a good reason — I just don’t know what it is.
And my niece is right; Vashti wouldn’t dance naked 😉
I agree. It was certainly the best Purim in my short Jewish life. The Megillah chanting was beautiful and the reading was Groundhog Day interesting and interactive. (So, does that book read from front to back or back to front?)
It was amazing and amusing that the cast of the shpiel had so much fun. And so did the audience. Not quite ready for Broadway? Who cares. Cue the music.
What a great night!
Yes, yes it was. We had such a great time. And it really was a superb Purim! From start to finish… or was it finish to start?
Ditto everything Irene wrote. AND, just so you know…I was sitting near two people for whom this was their first shpiel. Both loved it. They also loved the reading of the Megillah (who wouldn’t?!!).
Yay — so glad they came AND enjoyed it.
i love Purim but I must admit that I love Pesach more.
So I’m looking forward to it 🙂
But I adored your description of your Purim. It sounds perfect.
It really was as perfect as it can get…given the slivowitz.
Like Phyllis, pesach’s my favorite. But this year, as I think about all that the dictators have done to their own people, and as I think about walking to end genocide with Jewish World Watch, I’m thinking that Purim has an even more important message.
Glad your speil was great. I’m hoping for a more engaging one for next year at ours.
Happy happy post Purim.
Give me a holler if you want some hints. What makes our so great is that the cast is in it for the camaraderie and fun. After that, it doesn’t much matter!
What kind of shpiel was it, and what kind did you used to direct? I’ve never seen one. We just have lots of shtick at our synagogue 🙂 (PS: I’m with Phyllis… yay Purim!)
Woops, I mean, “YAY PESACH!”
I figured 😉
This year was the Megillah According to Grease. We use shpiels written by Norman Roth. We’ve done The Beatles, Les Miz, etc. Always a great time had by all.
This is in addition to the Megillah reading and shticklach. As I said, we take this very seriously.
“PMS — Pre-Matzah Syndrome” LOL, I’ve heard of POST -Matzah Syndrome but this is the first time I’m hearing of Pre …. truth is I’m not sure which is worse:)
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Daniela
http://isreview1.blogspot.com
A true toss-up