So, it’s official. I spent my first Purim in the United Kingdom! And, strangely enough, it was better than any Purim I’ve had in my adult life in Queens, or even in Israel.

I’ve found that my spirituality has really skyrocketed since I’ve left New York. Generally, there is a special energy and a glow in the Jewish community here that seems to be absent to places in New York I’ve visited or lived. Just to bare my soul for a moment, I have generally found that my spirituality has really suffered in Queens. Though kosher food and Torah learning opportunities were super-abundant back in New York, I never woke up on Sabbath morning excited to get to synagogue. In fact, it usually made me pretty sad to go.

I really don’t mean any offense to any existing Jewish communities, but there is something here that just reignites my personal desire to connect with my spiritual side. I guess I’ll have to think about this further. More on this another time.

Anyhow, This Purim totally embodied the special spirit of the London Jewish community. All the synagogues in Central London unite for the Purim festivities. Here are some highlights from my holiday:

-snickered as the Rabbi of Central Synagogue made Kiddush after services on Shabbat with a black cloak and a giant alien mask

-listened to a great communal reading of Megillat Esther with dramatic voices by the Rabbi of the Marble Arch Synagogue.

-chilled with a crowd of cool Jewish young professionals at the New London Synagogue Purim party, tried a cocktail with chili peppers in it. Almost imploded.

-wore two variations of cabaret/burlesque costume, and walked around London in both of them (I promise, that blonde wig was worth it.)

-met Robbie Sherman, and his skullcap-wearing parrot-puppet Baalthazar. His father, Robert Sherman, is the composer  for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, and the Jungle Book, and painted this painting. Oh, and did I mention Robert Sherman Sr. also wrote “It’s a Small World After All?”

-attended a delicious festive breakfast at the Marble Arch Synaogoue; ate delicious pastries, bagels, and eggs and made small talk the with some of the older members of the shul.

–finally, met Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks! I walked up to him, as nervous and jittery as a 12-year-old girl meeting Justin Bieber. I told him I had been reading his books for years, and that he has been a serious inspiration for the Jewish activism I’m involved in. He told me it was great to meet me, and told me to call his office for a private session. I almost screeched. Though when I called the office, they said they might have a hard time fitting me in, I’ll remain optimistic.

-my friend Nava dubbed the Tube a “tubway”

-went to a really nice JSOC (Jewish Student Group) Purim meal, and played guitar for a bit for all the attendees. The guitar was seriously out of tune, but it was a great time.

Finally, had some serious adventures with my friend Nava. See videos below.

Yup.

Rabbi Sacks!

She Looks Great in that Hat.