WORD ON THE STREET

How Do You Manage Purim on Erev Shabbos? 

I was very stressed the last time Purim was on a Friday, but this year, I will be smarter and plan better.  I told my kids that we will not drive to Boro Park, so if they want to give mishloach manos to certain teachers and friends, it will have to be before Purim. 

I like when Purim is on Friday because it forces people to tone it down with simpler packages and parties and fewer mishloach manos.

When Purim is on Erev Shabbos, we explain to our kids that we may do things differently. Maybe we will visit fewer people, won’t travel beyond our neighborhood, or will hear the megillah earlier than last year. Everyone is told about the possible changes in schedule in advance to avoid disappointment.  

I don’t cook for the seudah and instead order pizza and sushi to keep things easy and quick. 

I prepare Shabbos in advance so I can go out with the kids and enjoy the chag the way it’s meant to be enjoyed. 

Our Purim seudah will start on Purim and go into Shabbos.  

I skip making challah and dessert because I know we will most likely receive them in mishloach manos. 

I hear megillah at vasikin. 

We only give to those who live within walking distance. If you don’t live within my radius, we will have to skip you this year.  

We have our Purim seudah around midday and aim to finish at least two hours before Shabbos.  We also have a lighter meal on Friday night. 

I give mishloach manos to those living on my block or nearby, but to those I cannot reach on Fridays during Purim, I mail out donation cards from Tomchei Shabbos or Chai Lifeline.