Sometimes, by wearing a mask, we are able to tap into another part of ourselves, a part of us that is yearning to be revealed.

Sometimes, by wearing a mask, we are able to tap into a new way of seeing other people. As the Chassidic Master the Bal Shem Tov says, “It is a mitzvah (commandment) ...to dress up on Purim…It is a great mitzvah, because in this way one cannot tell the noble man from the poor.” By dressing up as someone different, we no longer are judged by the “costumes” we wear or roles we play, every day. People see us in a new light.

The month of Adar is about revealing what is hidden. It is not by chance that the name “Megillat Esther” (the main text that we read on the holiday of Purim) means revealing the hidden. It reflects the essence of Adar: seeing what is hidden in ourselves, in each other, and in the world.

Understandably, life can get robotic sometimes. We have our routines, and we barely find time to drive down a different road, invite someone new to dinner, or even wear a new and fabulous outfit. When Adar comes, we are invited to see things differently. This shaking up of our routine not only has incredible spiritual benefits, but it has physical ones too! Broadly speaking, any time you force yourself to make a change to your routine, you encourage your brain to make new connections–a concept known as neuroplasticity). Also changing your routine can make you happier! A 2006 study published in the scientific journal Neuron showed that a rush of dopamine accompanies fresh experiences of any kind!

So this Adar, let’s build some new brain connections and get our dopamine fix by dressing up and wearing masks! You may find that by doing so, you also discover something new about yourself and those around you.

Activity

To consider: What inside of you is yearning to be heard?

The following are instructions for processing and creating art stemming from this question.

1. Ask everyone to bring a notebook, a pen, a mask, and items to contribute to the decorating circle (glitter, feathers, markers, fuzzies, stickers etc.)! They can order these online or buy from an art supply store.

2. Start by reading the text above and choosing from the following discussion questions, depending on your group’s interests.

What part of myself am I afraid to show to the world? What’s keeping me from sharing it?

What “masks” do I wear every day? Do they reveal who I am or hide who I am?

Is there someone who I would like to see differently?

Do I see the Divine in my day-to-day life?

What is something that am I benefiting from, while others may be suffering?

What cause do I want to spend more time bringing into the spotlight?

3. Now, we will return back to the personal and make some masks! Play some music and give people a nice amount of time to decorate. Encourage them to really tap into a part of themselves that is not usually revealed.  

4. Come back to the circle and get into character! Share with your circle what you created and why.

5. After everyone has shared, ask them to notice how they feel. What emotions arise? Are they feeling vulnerable, empowered, relieved, or ashamed? You can go around the circle or do this popcorn style.

6. Close by offering a blessing, such as, “May all people feel safe being themselves.”