With Purim coming up, I wanted to offer you a few Purim themed social media posts that you can use! This holiday isn’t as popular as Hanukkah, but that means there is a good opportunity to improve your or your institution’s social media presence.
Just like with most social media, this is a huge chance to provide meaning, value, and connection with your community.
There are tons of iterations of these posts and I’m excited to see what you come up with!
This is part of the Social Media Guide for Rabbis and Synagogues
1. Live streaming your Megillah reading and Purim Shpiel
This requires absolutely no preparation, other than a place for a camera or a phone. That being said, making it clear to the people in the room is important, no one wants to be surprised about being on camera. These posts are good for a number of different audiences and provide great value.
Great for Parents and Grandparents
What an opportunity to show parents and grandparents how cute their kids are! Everyone loves being proud to see someone they know on the stream. When my congregation streamed its family Megillah reading, it quickly became the most popular post on our page.
Many grandparents live in other states or in other places. Live streaming your shpiel, Megillah reading, or programs connects them to your institution.
Good for the homebound
Not everyone can make it to synagogue on Purim for a myriad of reasons. One such group are the homebound, who physically can’t make it to the megillah reading. What an opportunity to provide them value by showing off the Purim shpiel and the Megillah reading itself. Plus, it helps them fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the Megillah itself.
2. Explanations of the Traditions
Purim has a lot of traditions and many people don’t know them. Did you know that Purim is the only holiday that has a halakhic obligation to give gifts? Videos, blog posts, and photos are great ways for you to explain the traditions of Mishloach Manot and Matanot L’Evyonim.
These specific Purim themed social media posts can encourage your people to engage in a new way with the holiday.
Why do we dress up? Is alcohol really an important part? What counts as Mishloach Manot? Do Hamentashen have to be triangular?
All of these questions are being asked by your people!
3. Behind the scenes
This Purim themed social media post takes a bit of planning but can be a lot of fun.
Many communities have long and intricate Purim shpiels, with sets, costumes, and all sorts of things! Take a snapshot and share these behind the scenes moments so that all can enjoy. It will stoke excitement and bring folks in to watch.
If your institution sends Mishloach Manot, showing who is making them and what is going inside can be tremendously valuable. It encourages gratitude and connection by showing who is doing great work and gets folks pumped to see them arrive.
4. Pictures of kid’s programming/craft making
You can never go wrong with these. Almost everyone loves seeing kids engaging with holiday traditions.
Depending on what you have available to you or your what rabbinate looks like, you might have a preschool, a religious school, or even your own children who can provide you opportunities. Of course, privacy is important, so permission really matters here.
You might want to post pictures of your kids making Hamentashen (oznei Haman), practicing songs, making costumes, or all sorts of things!
5. Costume contest
Either on the evening itself or in advance, people will love to see each other in costume. You can post, “who wore it best” types or show the staff wearing a coordinated costume.
Poking some fun at yourself never hurts.
6. Holiday Recipes
As we know, providing value is the primary goal with any social media posting. This one can bring your community together or spark “controversy”.
Each year, I see the debate, latkes or hamentashen (oznei Haman) rage across the internet, which can give you a chance to share family, congregational, or school recipes! If you have a personal favorite or your community has a special recipe, this Purim themed social media post is perfect.
You can post a video of you making it and teaching everyone else, you can post the written recipe itself, and if you are on Instagram, posting that Insta-worthy food photo is great.
7. Songs and sing-alongs
Similar to the explanation posts, teaching the songs of a holiday can be a perfect opportunity to increase online and in-person engagement.
For those of you who are particularly inclined, this might give you a chance to show off some musical talents!
8. Your own Purim experiences
People want to feel that who they follow are actual human beings. (I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again.
We each have personal experiences with the holidays. We have an opportunity to show how we celebrate them! You can share your own, personal Purim experiences. Everything is about how you share it, so framing your experiences so that other people can appreciate them is key. You do have to recognize the sense of privacy of your family and those around you.
In the end, sharing your personal life is about balance.
I hope this list inspires you to come up with some great, meaningful, and engaging Purim themed social media posts!