A Year of Life Turned Upside Down: Ta’anit Esther with Hadar

Purim marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic changed our lives, bringing to mind the words of Megillat Esther, “Venahafokh Hu” – “and it was turned upside down.”

On the day before Purim, the Fast of Esther marks a time when the Jewish people faced imminent danger by fasting, praying, and preparing for Esther to change their fates. In this spirit, we’re cosponsoring a day of learning, prayer, service, and ritual at A Year of Life Turned Upside Down: Ta’anit Esther with Hadar.

Members of Hadar’s faculty will share Torah and teachings on musical and textual reinterpretations of Kaddish, COVID-19 and incarcerated populations, permission to rejoice in the midst of suffering, and more. We will gather together to mark the lives lost, ask for healing of the sick, and hope for a brighter and healthier year ahead.