By Jonathan Shaw
Purim, what do we know? We dress up, we have parties, we make noise to blot out the name of the evil Haman while listening to the Megillah. It is a joyful, fun holiday. But beneath the costumes and celebration is a story that has repeated itself throughout history and, sadly, continues to show its ugly face even today.
By Kylie Zirlinger
Being part of Friendship Circle has fundamentally changed my outlook on life. My friend Lauren is an eight-year-old girl with autism who is nonverbal. While she does not communicate through spoken words, she expresses herself in ways that are just as powerful. Through a smile, a hug, or simply sitting together in a quiet space, she communicates trust, comfort, and deep affection.
Every Monday, I look forward to our time together. No matter what kind of day I’ ve had, spending time with Lauren
Our modern observance of Judaism is rooted in remembering and retelling stories of the battles the Jewish people have overcome. Repeatedly, we tell tales of those who sought to destroy us for one reason or another. Battle after battle, we stand proud of who we are and refuse to be taken down. And time after time, we emerge stronger and
Beyond Words:“ What Friendship Has Taught Me”
reminds me to slow down and appreciate the present moment. She has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of connecting with others on a level that transcends speech.
Our friendship is proof that meaningful relationships are built through understanding and presence, not just conversation. Being Lauren’ s friend has shaped how I view inclusion and kindness, teaching me what it truly means to be there for someone else. more resilient.
In our religious school, one question often comes up: How have we been able to stand against armies more powerful than us and win? While there are many answers, some truths consistently rise to the surface: unity, pride, resilience, and community.
Purim is a holiday that places a strong emphasis on community; namely one that stands together and cares for one another. When the king’ s guards were plotting to kill him, Mordechai could have remained silent. After all, this was the same king who allowed Haman to cause such pain and suffering. But Mordechai knew what was about to happen was wrong. He spoke up and warned the king, placing himself in grave danger to protect someone else. In the end, this act of courage led to the downfall of the evil Haman.
At Temple Kol Ami, we take time during Purim to think intentionally about community. Our religious school students create packages of mishloach manot that are distributed to those in need. We host a Purim carnival filled with food, fun, and games, bringing joy to our wider circle. And each year, we share laughter through our annual Purim shpiel, with past themes ranging from
Friendship Circle is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive communities by pairing typically developing teens with children and young adults with special needs. At its core, the organization is built on the simple yet profound belief that friendship is a universal need. Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to feel included, valued, and loved.
The Charlotte Jewish News- March 2026- Page 19
Beyond the Costumes: What Purim Teaches Us About Standing Together
“ Star Wars” to“ Dr. Seuss” to“ Harry Potter.”
During this time, we come together to celebrate the joy of Judaism while also being mindful of safety. As part of caring for our community, we welcome the presence of our local sheriff’ s department at our celebrations. Joy and responsibility go hand in hand, and keeping our members safe enables us to celebrate fully and freely.
A strong community can withstand terror and hatred. Today, we live in a world with many Hamans. Which is why having a resilient, connected community is so important. Like Mordechai, we must be willing to listen. Like Mordechai, we must not be afraid to stand up to hatred. And like Mordechai, we must be willing to speak out. Not only for ourselves, but for those we love and for those who may not yet have a voice.
This does not mean placing ourselves in imminent danger. It means being aware, vigilant, and committed to standing together with strength and pride in our Jewish identity. The days of hiding should be behind us. The days of assimilation at the expense of who we are must be over.
It is the lion with the strongest roar that rules the kingdom. As
Robin Peterson, a first grader in Charlotte, takes in the latest issue of The Charlotte Jewish News. Both his parents and grandparents, longtime readers, recently subscribed to the print edition. a community, may we stand tall, united, and proud with a roar that cannot and will not be ignored.
Temple Kol Ami is a Reform Jewish congregation that was formed in the spring of 2010 to answer the needs of a growing and diverse Jewish community in the greater York County area. We are a warm, caring, and egalitarian community; cherishing tradition while yearning for expression in modernity. To learn more, please email yorksynagogue @ gmail. com or visit templekolamisc. org.
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Lauren and Kylie Zirlnger, right.