Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

(JTA) — One year ago, in the days leading up to Purim, my co-workers and I were understandably tense. The novel coronavirus, still quite novel to the United States, had prompted a slew of difficult questions. Was it wise to hold our planned holiday gathering at a nightclub in Brooklyn? Would our staff and congregation feel safe? Would this holiday, arguably the most jubilant of our calendar, feel joyous at all or just nerve-wracking?

We made the choice to go forward with our Purim party, knowing — on some level — that it would be our last opportunity to gather for some time. Everyone elbow bum...