2 minute read
WCA women revive ancient Purim tradition
By Darlene Muller and Susan Koeppel
Fourteen WCA women took to heart the ancient Purim tradition of giving “Shalach Manot,” a Hebrew term which means “sending gifts,” to residents of the Baker Senior Center who are Holocaust survivors. The gifts of edible goodies were not sent through Amazon, FedEx, UPS or any modern delivery service, but were received the old-fashioned way, by hand delivery.
This special group of geographically diverse women became friends through WCA. They have been gathering regularly for a “Girls Night Out” since COVID-19 struck in 2020. It started with dinners at restaurants (outside seating of course!) and evolved into meeting at members’ homes for a night of food, fun and games. Each gathering has a different theme based on a Jewish holiday, Academy Awards, geographic locations and even a Murder Mystery Night.
This month, the group decided it was time to give something back to the community, hence a Purim Costume Party complete with Shaloch Manot bags.
“The bonds we have formed over the years have created a sense of deep friendship and extended family. This has been such a wonderful gift, and we wanted to spread the joy we feel to others in the community,” said co-hostesses Donna Goldstein, Susan Koeppel, Debbie Kohler and Darlene Muller. “If these Purim bags bring a little smile to the faces of those survivors, that is a gift in and of itself.”
Purim is a time for giving, and that is exactly what this group of WCA women have done.
