It may be raining, snowing, blowing and yucky outside, but that will not stop us from experiencing the fullness of Purim. Purim is a minor holiday that reminds us that we need to not take ourselves too seriously.  The tradition of giving gifts (mishloach Manot) hearing the Megillah of Esther and dressing up for a party are part of the wonderful catharsis that makes up the celebration of Purim. For us at Temple Emanu-El we will begin our festivities this Saturday evening, as we will have a Swing era costume party with a swing band, with lots of craziness surrounding the reading of the Megillah. After that party we will have our Purim Shpiel (play) the day after at 11:00 am in the sanctuary, titled: Monty Python and the Holy Shpiel. Then we have our annual Purim Carnival, rain or shine we will be enjoying ourselves! I invite you to join us for some or all of our activities.  May you have a Purim Sameach, a good and happy Purim!