KU Hillel has unveiled Purimgrams as a way for students to celebrate the upcoming holiday of Purim with other Jewish students at KU. Purim is known as the “upside down holiday,” where it provides relief from life’s burdens — and we could all use that this year.
This new idea from KU Hillel will continue strengthening its student community, especially in the midst of COVID-19, and incorporates giving back. The Purimgrams will also benefit the Jewish Family Services food pantry.
“We decided it was important for students to have ways to surprise each other, and to continue to build their community, so we thought up Purimgrams,” said Savannah Kannberg, KU Hillel development and marketing director. “We have already started getting orders and can’t wait to give them to students during Purim.”
Included with each $3 Purimgram is hamantaschen, chocolate, and a custom note from the person who purchased the Purimgram.
“I love that [the Purimgrams are] a way to show my friends I’m thinking about them while celebrating a Jewish holiday with Hillel,” said Sarah Glaser, KU senior and Serve the Moment intern.
KU Hillel recently hired Glaser as the first Serve the Movement intern, a position solely dedicated to increasing the organization’s service efforts. The donation portion of the Purimgrams is one of the first of many service programs created by the internship and KU Hillel.
“Mishloach manot, the inspiration for our Purimgrams, originated in the Book of Esther to ensure everyone had enough food to celebrate,” said Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel executive director. “Due to the pandemic, many individuals in the Kansas City metro have experienced food insecurity, so along with bringing sweetness to our students’ Purim festivities, we felt it was very important for our Purimgrams to give back to the community as well.”
For every five Purimgrams purchased, KU Hillel will be donating jars of peanut butter and jelly to JFS’s Food Pantry. This is just one of the many partnerships KU Hillel has with JFS, which also includes providing free therapy to Jewish college students at KU.
