Virtual Purim

My last reasonably normal synagogue event took place on Purim about a year ago.  We had elbow bumps in lieu of handshakes and one of our usual Megillah chanters had relocated to NYC but replaced by others. I dressed as Harbonah, nothing unique about him, but others came in more identifiable costumes.  By Seder, religious activities had moved to screens where they remain.  Unlike shabbos and yontiff, Purim does not restrict electronics so Megillah readings streamed from cyberspace will be common.  Groggers will sound a bit shvok unless somebody has recorded canned grogger grinding to be played back when Haman appears in the text.  Shpiels can be adapted to broadcast.  

Our Rabbis have created a checklist for the festival.  We have to hear every word of the Megillah either in Hebrew or some would allow in Greek.  Easy to do in cyberspace, in fact, maybe better since you can go back later to be sure you didn't miss any words.  Matanot L'Evyonim, or gifts for the poor may even be better as the pandemic has made people in need more visible and people with extra to give more willing to donate.  Electronics has made transfer of funds simple.  Mishloach Manot, or gifts of food, may pose more of a challenge.  We have valid reason not to trust the safety of hamentaschen made in somebody else's kitchen and not to open packages handed to us.  And we can all have our own festive meals at home, but it's usually less festive than the more traditional communal gathering, as well as awkward with the weekly elegant Shabbos dinner just a few hours later.

Purim has always commemorated the ways we have to adapt to our circumstances.