The annual Megillah reading at Congregation Beth Israel in Worcester was a rollicking good time!  The crowd was larger than it has been any time since the beginning of the pandemic and the costumed celebrants were clearly enjoying themselves.  A jellyfish was spotted conversing with Marcel Marceau; an aging hippie embraced a diminutive princess, and Dr. Seuss characters ranging from Fox in Socks to the Lorax cavorted on the bimah.

In lieu of a traditional Purim Shpiel, an assortment of performers participated in PBS: the Purim Broadcasting System.  Rick Steves offered a time travel trip to ancient Shushan, Jim Braude and Margery Eagan of Boston Purim Radio hosted a humorous version of the popular current affairs show, and Masterpiece was… a masterpiece.  Most fun of all was the Reading Rainbow parody, where a giant copy of “Goodnight Jews” – with graphics and story very similar to the ubiquitous child favorite “Goodnight Moon” was read aloud to peals of laughter.

Of course every word of Megillat Esther was read and many hamantaschen, provided by the volunteer BI Bakers, were consumed.  Children played and cavorted and adults acted like children.  The raucous celebration exemplified the line in the megillah saying that the Jews experienced joy and gladness.  So may we all!