Purim 5775: ”Sacred or Profane: Practices of Purim” (1/3) with Miriam Gedwiser

We will will review the four mitzvot of Purim - megillah, mishloach manot, matanot le-evyonim (gifts to the poor), and the festive meal, as well as various folk practices that accrued to the holiday overtime (including dressing up, "Purim Torah," and many others). In addition to outlining the basics of the laws, we will attempt to understand what basic themes and values run through the various laws and practices, and what they tell us about the meaning of Purim.