Purim is one of my most favorite chag, full of festivities. We all meet up to hear the megilah, gather together with family and friends for the Purim seudah, and give mishloachei manot to our family, friends and neighbours – a lovely way of connecting with the community. Talking about the community, giving donations is also a Purim mitzvah. We all dress up in costumes, from babies to grandparents, Purim is the festival when everybody has a good time.
Yet. with the recent sharp rise in prices, Purim can be financially challenging for some of us. In this newsletter, I will be giving some easily implemented tips that ensure Purim will not cause you to go into overdraft. Just remember, that Pesach is just around the corner which is one of the most expensive chag.
One of the best ways to be prepared is to create a plan of what is needed for Purim:
- Costumes
- Mishloachei manot
- Purim seudah
- Charity
COSTUMES
Ask family or friends about swapping costumes
Check out second-hand shops
Check out what is available online (it probably wouldn’t arrive on time for this Purim, but keep it in mind for next year).
Handmade: either check what is in your wardrobe or make something from your odds and ends. One year I made a bumblebee costume for my daughter, using an old pillowcase, staples, sellotape, and velcro. Get creative.
Maybe let the kids make their own costumes.
NOTE: Purim costumes are worn once a year for one day. Is it really worth going into overdraft?
MISHLOCHEI MANOT
The Halacha states that you need to give away a minimum of two mishloachei manot. Therefore, anything above the two is your choice.
Planning ahead of time is crucial to avoid any waste or the embarrassment of forgetting somebody. Make a list of the items you want to include in each mishloach manot.
Look out for good offers at the supermarket. However, you should make sure that the special offer really is a special offer by doing some market research beforehand.
Buying in bulk also reduces costs. Perhaps your neighbors would like to chip in for a bulk buy.
Of course, a homemade mishloach manot is always cheaper and more personal. For example, one year we made smoked salmon bagels that went down a treat to all that received them.
In order to reduce the stress of preparing the mishloachei manot, recruit family members to help you.
THE PURIM SEUDAH
Since the price of disposable plates and cutlery has also skyrocketed, consider using proper plates and cutlery. It might take you more time to clear up – but remember it also takes you time to work to pay for the disposable items.
Look for creative ways to make the food stretch so you can feed everyone. I have found amazing recipes using just ONE chicken for multiple meals. Check out this link
CHARITYThe last and most important mitzvah for Purim is giving charity. I always suggest that my clients consult with their Rabbi for guidance on how much to give.
Ask guests to bring as well, so there is both a variety and people feel involved in the festivities.
For the alcohol, bring out the cheap stuff at the beginning; towards the end share the more expensive alcohol that is appreciated by ‘drinkers’.