(Courtesy of Mishkon) Adar and the holiday of Purim in particular are joy-filled. Mishkon (the division of The Jewish Board that provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities) was not going to let the pandemic dampen our fun.

The entries into Mishkon’s design-and-create original Purim cards contest made the job of the judges incredibly difficult. Cards came in all colors, shapes and sizes; oversized cards with pom-poms and glitter; cardstock with cutouts and masks; traditional cards with stickers and feathers, and of course markers and googly eyes abounded. The top four winners were sold as e-cards and postcards to share with family and friends. The homes that won celebrated with special activities such as pizza parties, make-your-own ice cream sundae events and, of course, bragging rights.

Thanks to our relationship with IAC we picked up really fun activity bags. The individuals were able to color Purim pictures with their new markers or make paper flowers while wearing funny mustaches, matching cape and masks and, of course, golden crowns, all of which were found in their lovely new canvas bags.

Some individuals went with the staff to local safe shuls to hear Megilla and others had Megilla come to them. Wherever they heard Haman’s name, the homemade graggers were enthusiastically used. Having Purim on Friday meant that our wonderful Shabbos workers were able to not only sing Shabbos zemirot but could incorporate Purim songs; it was, after all, Shushan Purim. It made it feel like a longer celebration!!

We are making sure to mix work with fun as we enter Pesach season. Preparations are underway to make Kiddush cups and matzah covers as we sing our Pesach songs.

If you or someone you know wants to be a virtual volunteer or knows an adult who is in the OPWDD system and wants to join the Mishkon family, please reach out to Faye Wilbur, LCSWR, at [email protected] or 718-851-7100 x 471376. We would be happy to answer any questions and offer you the opportunity to make an informed decision about your loved one’s future.