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A Day of Difficulty

JL;DR SUMMARY Cindy Scarr reflects on the challenges of observing Purim as someone who did not grow up celebrating the holiday, specifically the pressures of hosting, making mishloach manos, and planning costumes. A way out west there was a fella, fella I want to tell you about, fella by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least, that was the handle his lovin' parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. This Lebowski, he called himself the Dude. Now, Dude, that's a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then, there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place s'durned innarestin'.

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Tags

Jewish HolidaysHoliday PreparationFamily DynamicsPurimMitzvotJewish ObservanceBaalas TeshuvahMixed EmotionsCommunity PressuresJoy In Service

Places mentioned

Jerusalem, Israel
"These activities, by the way, have the potential to stimulate feelings of joy while we perform them (which is part of their purpose). You might be pleasantly surprised that on Purim itself you find yourself feeling happier than you do right now in anticipation of the day. In Jerusalem, the celebrations are vibrant and community-driven."

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Retrieved 2026-02-25 05:30:35 UTC
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