What qualifies an event as epic? High stakes, heroes and villains, close calls, a rise or fall from grace, a journey? Based on any of these criteria, the Purim story (summarized here) qualifies. So, I picked out 7 cinematic, sound effects (below) that I think will bring some humor and drama to the Megillah reading. Pull these sound effects up on your phone to become the most popular person at your Purim party.
Traditionally, adults and children alike listen to Megillat Esther (the Purim story) poised, ready to spin their groggers and pound their feet upon hearing the vile name Haman. Why do we make such a ruckus? A common reason given is that we want to erase Haman’s name and memory. Frankly, that explanation alone doesn’t do much for me. I need meatier ideas. So take a bite out of this: Gematria, an ancient system that assigns numerical values to the Hebrew letters plays a reoccurring role in Jewish mysticism. Though a bit complex to explain here, the gematria of the Purim story reveals that Haman represents the idea of doubt. A fierce foe, doubt fights dirty, sabotaging plans and weakening the strong. Maybe there are examples in your own life where doubts turned you into your own worst enemy.
Furthermore, Haman who hated the Jews and wanted to eliminate them, descends from the King of Amalek whom many consider the founder of anti-Semitism, biblically speaking.
Then by spinning our groggers and pounding our feet, we actually intend to stomp out doubt and hatred! By actively and verbally renouncing what Haman stands for over and over again, we recommit ourselves to the achievement of our potential on both a personal and global scale. On Purim, we identify our inner and outer enemies, and drown them out with noise, confidence, happiness and dancing.
Each of us has challenges that feel epic at times. But we can overcome them. And should doubt tell you otherwise, play one of these sound effects to put that nasty instigator in its place.
7 Haman-Muting Sound Effects
1. A classic BOOoooOOooooOOOoooooOOO. (5 seconds)
2. A Cuckoo. (3 seconds)
3. Dr. Evil’s theme music from Austin Powers. (7 seconds)
4. A slap across the face. (2 seconds)
5. A fabulous and appropriate insult from The Princess Bride. (2 seconds)
6. A sports air horn. (2 seconds)
7. A fitting Haman description from the movie Dumb & Dumber. (1 second)
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