• Ontario
• Greater Toronto Area

ATID Chapter Drumming Circle in Honour of Purim

Drum circles have a rich history in African culture, with women at the centre of these empowering rituals. On Sunday, March 5th, the women's group, Canadian Hadassah-WIZO will continue this tradition, and enjoy a drum circle in honour of the Jewish Holiday of Purim. Purim is an empowering holiday as well. It commemorates a time in Jewish history when a woman – a queen, Vashti, was demanded by her husband – King Achashverosh – to dance naked for his friends at a banquet. She outright refused and he banished her from the kingdom.

Vashti is considered a feminist heroine... able to take a stand against an oppressive husband and refusing to be pressured to do something she was not comfortable with. But she is not considered the ultimate heroine of the Purim story. That honour belongs to Queen Esther, King Achashverosh's second wife.

Esther was a Jewess, but kept this news from her husband. The story continues, with the King's viceroy, Haman, making plans (with the King's permission), for all the Jews in the land to be killed on the 13th day of Adar. Esther's Uncle, Mordechai, learns of this plan, and asks Esther to appeal to the King, in order to save their people. The King pronounces an edict, allowing the Jews to defend themselves, and they do... are victorious and survive. Festivities follow, and the holiday we celebrate today, is much like a carnival in many ways... costumes, noisemakers, and libations... Our goal is to drown out Haman's name.

That's where drumming comes in. While traditionally the noisemakers are handheld "gregors", drumming is a creative and empowering way of drowning out Haman's name, while incorporating the power, joy and deep connection with Judaism and our freedom as a people.

We invite everyone to join us on Sunday, March 5th, near Sheppard and Bathurst, to drown out Haman's name, connect with our inner Esther and Vashti, and reflect upon who we consider heroes and heroines in our lives.

Our leader will be Ora Goldin, of Living Rhythm Drumming in Richmond Hill.

This is a family-friendly event, and we hope to see friends of all ages!