Purim’s Musical Prowess
Our congregations are often chock full of fun and silly melodies during Purim time. Our Purim shpiels celebrate the holiday through witty parody and clever adaptation of the traditional Purim story. Yet, no matter how we celebrate, the triumphant story is always present. It has a great moral that speaks the need to declare and stand up for who we are as individuals, and to celebrate our differences, loud and proud. Fortunately, in today’s society, we can usually do this without fear for our lives and our safety. Such was not the case with Esther, who as one of our first female heroines, stood her ground proving that the most popular idea is not always the right one. We all will be called upon at some point in our time to be activists and to speak out against the grain, even if seemingly alone.
The Purim songs which I share with you are ones that capture the essence of the power of the story of Esther, while also never lacking in the creativity and humor we associate with the holiday. They retain the essential components of the story, but do not trivialize the struggle within. Our holidays are rich in history and even when we are amidst the joy of celebration, it is important to still pay tribute to how we got here.
Peter and Ellen Allard have done this incredibly well in their clever song “The Whole Megillah.” We are reminded of the call to action for us to blot out the name of Haman (standing in the shadow of Amalek), remembering what was done, and to play a continued part in the world through Tikkun Olam. This song is one that begs for participation from the kid within us all, while remembering the significance that each and every one of us must take a stand.
Michael Isaacson’s crafty composition “Esther the Queen” is a challenging composition to sing, but keeps the joy of Purim in its irregular pulse of the piano accompaniment, in its playful combination of toyful melody and punchy lyrics by Susan Nurenberg, and in the catchy tongue-twister of a chorus (stresses are capitalized): LEST we forGET that we YET are inDEBTed to ESther the Queen! And we won’t! The song, itself, pays homage to Esther’s brave example and allows us to continue forward in her path as it concludes “The Hebrews will nourish their strong tradition, always protecting, always reflecting, always perfecting . . .” Kudos to Cantor Faith Steinsnyder who expertly brings us this version of the song.
I grew up in the Chicago Suburbs where a prominent Jewish children’s show choir called The Shining Lights would tour regularly to my synagogue. Their catchy melodies and perfect harmonies brought many smiles to all of us. I remember seeing a performance of this song, “Esther, Brave and Beautiful (written by Larry Kaplan),” and our cantor even taught it to us at Sunday School. The lyrics remind us that Esther did what she had to do out of love for her people: “Esther, brave and beautiful, Purim celebrates your story. Esther, brave and beautiful, God’s lovely instrument of glory, God’s lovely instrument of love.”
And, I conclude with the traditional song “Utzu Eitza,” which stands to remind us that not in any of the ten chapters of Megillat Esther do we ever hear mention of God’s name. Yet, we look to God as our protector as we take our courageous stand. Utzu eitza v’tufar, make your evil plans and they will be annulled, dabru davar v’lo yakum, scheme against us and it will not avail, ki imanu Eil, because God is with us. I gave it a little bit of reggae flair in my own recording. Enjoy, and have a happy Purim!