The Swampscott Public Library was a little noisier than it typically is on a Monday, as children made their own noisemakers as part of an event celebrating the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Purim is a Jewish holiday to commemorate Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai thwarting Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews. For the event on Monday, the library partnered with PJ Library, an international program for families raising Jewish – and Jewish-plus children, whose households may celebrate more than one religion. The organization offers a free book club for children ages 0–8, sending a new book each month.
“To me, Purim means the idea of being brave and not afraid to voice your opinion and standing up for what is right, what matters,” said Rachel Orenberg, PJ Library’s parent connector.
Orenberg read Library’s stories about Purim to introduce the holiday to the children in the audience. The reading was interactive and included rhyming and clapping to involve everyone. Orenberg taught the children terms associated with the holiday, which started on Monday and will continue into Tuesday.
“Not all stories from PJ Library are about a holiday,” said Orenberg. “Some are just about different themes of Judaism like being kind, helpful and just being a good human. A lot of Judaism is about being a good human.”
After two stories were read, Orenberg and the children made their way to a table to make groggers, or noisemakers, out of folded up paper plates. The noisemakers were used during the reading of a third story to help “ward off” the evil Haman.
Orenberg and PJ Library have previously hosted events at the library and with the Recreation Department to celebrate different holidays. Orenberg said events like this help create a sense of community, which can be crucial.
“Especially with what’s going on in our world right now, I think it’s important for people to realize they have a place, they’re safe and have people that are welcoming,” said Orenberg.
She also noted that children and families of any religious background are welcomed at PJ Library events.
“We’re inclusive,” said Orenberg. “It helps people who might otherwise be frightened in today’s society to have comfort in knowing they are welcome into whatever space they are in.”
Children can learn the importance of certain values of life through stories and reading at a young age, said Orenberg.
“I love being able to expose them to something,” she said. “It helps them realize at a young age it doesn’t matter what religion you are, we all have values and we all are promoting positivity and being good humans – And our world needs good humans. I love being able to come out here and show them through stories what we’re all working to be.”
