The Purim story serves as a metaphor for coming out, rising up and living courageously in times of crisis and fear.
The tradition of making noise when Haman’s name is mentioned during the chanting of the Book of Esther is a custom that was developed by our sages over time. The origins of this practice are rooted in the broader Jewish tradition of expressing disdain for Amalek – the ancestor of Haman – and fulfilling the commandment to “blot out the memory of Amalek” (Deuteronomy 25:19).
How do we rise up to “make noise” in this moment against the modern day tyrants that are acute threats to democracy, peace, the climate, and human rights?
Join Lab/Shul for a vibrant array of Purim experiences for all ages, where revelry and radical joy intertwine through SONIC storytelling, interactive art, and immersive ritual celebration.
Click the buttons below or scroll down for all the details on all of our Purim programming.
Now/Next
Dive into the intellectual atmosphere of paradoxes, controversies, and debates at the BESEDA: COJECO Jewish Intellectual Club. With wine and cheese reception. Explore the hidden history and current political purpose of the most misunderstood Jewish holiday with the acclaimed Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie.
Dig into the costume closet for this hamantaschen baking party. Gather for this raucous gathering of costumery, storytelling, and hamantaschen cookie making. FamilyLab's Purim celebration creates lasting memories of a truly inside out, upside down story of integrity, courage, and wild hearted mission to change the world. Stand up and make some noise!
Families in our 2024-2025 "Raising the Bar" cohort join together with Project ORE participants to enjoy a festive meal, share foodie-goodie bags (Mishloach manot) and give/receive necessary items to help folks in need.
How Do We Deal with Our Collective Shadows and Lift Up Our Light? Pull up a chair and Join Rabbi Amichai online to explore the political, historical, spiritual and practical dimensions of Purim - the most misunderstood Jewish holiday - at this critical time. This is an open study session + conversation to make sense of Purim in 2025, activating this holiday of upside-down as a powerful portal for cultivation of courage and compassion, resilience and resistance, humor and joy, with our eye on justice and hope - for all.
Join Lab/Shul and Flaminggg to immerse in a Purim Eve experience, where Sonic revelry and performance art collide to transform sacred Noise into a powerful force for this moment.
News
This Purim’s Purpose? // Expand Empathy + Cultivate Courage
Purim's back! Once again, we flip life upside down to celebrate Jewish resilience and release some steam. And wow—do we need it. But in a time when reality already feels upside down—with continued conflicts, [...]
PURIM 5785: The Art of Sonic Resistance
Where else would you want to be this Purim in a year when our world is turning upside down? Join Lab/Shul & Flaminggg NEXT THURSDAY (3/13) for SONIC - a Purim Eve ritual performance [...]
Lab/Shul Highlights JTA’s Mar 4, 2025 Article by R. Amichai Lau-Lavie & Julie Dorf
Christian conservatives have appropriated Queen Esther as a symbol. Let’s take her back. Written By Amichai Lau-Lavie & Julie Dorf March 4, 2025 Queen Esther is back in the news — and it’s not [...]
A lil’ slice of Purim life from our recent Raising the Bar program with Project Ore! Thank you Edith & Pierre for showing up with your pizzazz as always!
Want to learn more about BECOMING: RTB? ➡️➡️www.labshul.org/b-mitzvah-kids
#labshul #purim #purim5786 #bmitzvah
We invite you to check out Rabbi @amichailaulavie’s poignant Below the Bible Belt installment from today…
As the Purim chapter comes to a close, it ends with the bureaucracy of annihilation set into motion, as the king and Haman sit down to drink while the rest of the city sits in confusion: now what❓What will help us deal and heal❓
We are still asking these questions. We are still fighting these fights.
How do we refuse to perpetuate this story❓How do we put down the swords that ultimately slay all of us❓
This story continues. Knowing it may help us begin to untangle the webs, turning hate toward healing. It calls us to see one another’s hurts and histories, to bow to each other’s humanity, and to move forward together with humility, pride, purpose, and hope.
Want more? ➡️➡️➡️ Below the Bible Belt / Part 2: Judaism: Born Divided? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
https://amichailaulavie.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
#labshul #bible #belowthebiblebelt #haman #judaism
“Thank you to everyone who brought your whole selves to Purim FamilyLab: Make Some Noise! This joyful, upside-down holiday was full of laughter, noise, and truth telling, and it wouldn’t have been the same without you.
Next up: FamilyLab: Lotsa Matza, in collaboration with @theneighborhoodbk. From one full moon to the next, Passover is almost here. Join us for matzah making, art, storytelling, and song with The Neighborhood.
RSVP to save your spot! ✨
Labshul.org/calendar
#labshul #passover #passover5786”
Shushan was mediated… by @jonstewart (aka @sarahsokolic )
See the full moment that opened the Storahtelling for Purim 5786 at tinyurl.com/labshulpurim
#labshul #purim #purim5786 #cosplay #thedailyshow
Chag Purim Sameach 🎭…
חג פורים שמח…
Thank you to everyone who showed up for a raucous, joy-filled Purim ✨
Together with our cast and crew of Lab/Shul’s finest, we dared to ask:
What if courageous conversations could actually save the kingdom from fear, deception, and bloodshed?
Mitzi, our resident Prophetess, returned to rewrite the story itself—summoning Megillah characters (and a few unexpected modern guests) to the stage for a live conflict resolution mediation.
And then… the night opened wide.
Enter: @poly_esther_purim_party 👑
An after party rooted in radical connection, in poly-partnership with @templeofthestranger @flamingggnyc @theneighborhoodbk .
Endless gratitude to @houseofyesnyc, a truly the perfect palace for Purim pandemonium.
To relive the magic:
Explore the full photo wrap-up, captured with such depth and perspective by @thebearmaiden ➡️ www.labshul.org/purim-5786
#labshul #purim #purim5786
Chag Purim Sameach 🎭
חג פורים שמח
We made some joyful noise on Sunday in celebration of Purim… Lab Jr. kiddos and their families showed up ready to flip things upside down and lean all the way in ✨
As we pray for heart and safety for those affected by the unfolding violence, we also make space for joy for this holiday of courage, integrity, and for the wild-hearted call to change the world ✨
#labshul #purim #purim5786
March is here, and with it comes the joy, color, and spirit of Purim 👑
In a moment when the world can feel heavy, gathering helps us cope. Being together matters. We’re holding a collective prayer for the safety and wellbeing of all in light of the unfolding conflict.
In times of joy, hurt, nuance and complexities, Lab/Shul is here for you. 🫶
Explore our MARCH calendar for upcoming gatherings, programs, and events.
🔗 Register through the CALENDAR link in bio 🔗
https://www.labshul.org/calendar/
Lab/Shul welcomes people of all races, religions, beliefs, gender expressions, sexual orientations, countries of origin, ages, abilities, families, and flavors with open hearts.
#labshul #adar #march #purim5786
👑 MONDAY NIGHT…We flip the script on Purim. 👑
Tickets are almost gone. We expect to sell out. A few remain.
Sacred noise. Creative costumes. A story repaired in real time.
Use code LABSHUL for $5 off
www.labshul.org/purim-5786
#Labshul #purim #purim5786 #megillah #shushan
