In the midst of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, a large Washington, D.C. synagogue, Adas Israel, will be observing the ancient holiday of Purim with a unique twist. The rabbis at the synagogue have chosen to dress up as Jewish-inspired Barbies, symbolizing the celebration and joy of Purim, while acknowledging the discomfort caused by the current war.

Purim, which commemorates the Jewish victory over an enemy that threatened their total elimination over 2,000 years ago, typically involves dressing up in costumes. This year, the clergy at Adas Israel will don angelic Barbie of peace costumes, as well as ones depicting Jewish garb and pink attire.

However, there is a division among Jews in the D.C. region and beyond regarding how to observe Purim this year. With the war raging and the situation in Gaza becoming dire, some individuals are hesitant to engage in festive celebrations. Tel Aviv has even canceled its Purim parade, while Jerusalem plans to proceed with its celebration, drawing criticism from families of hostages.

Rabbi Corey Helfand from Ohr Kodesh, a Conservative synagogue in Chevy Chase, Maryland, has shifted the focus of his biblical study class to explore the themes of Purim in light of the current pain and suffering in Israel, Gaza, and rising antisemitism in America. He plans to facilitate group discussions to provide a space for congregants to express their conflicting emotions.

Across the country, people are finding various ways to acknowledge the hardships while still embracing the holiday spirit. Some are incorporating favorite recipes of the hostages into the festive meal, while others are using the story of Purim's heroine, Queen Esther, as a means to support women's trauma. Additionally, individuals like Aaron Shneyer are fulfilling the holiday's obligation to give to the needy by raising funds for organizations providing food in Gaza.

Adas Israel, in an effort to address the discomfort surrounding the holiday's violent undertones, plans to read the last chapter of the Book of Esther more softly this year. They will also have alternative versions of the text available, produced by a progressive Jewish organization called The Shalom Center, which emphasizes nonviolence.

The Shalom Center's Chapter 9 Project, created in response to the war's impact on Purim, reimagines alternative endings to the story, advocating for mercy instead of vengeance and calling for the surrender of weapons. The aim is to redefine Purim observances and move away from a narrative that can be interpreted as promoting violence.

As the holiday approaches, Jewish communities are grappling with how to find joy amidst the suffering caused by the Israel-Gaza conflict. Some individuals are dedicating their gifts and fasts to the women still held captive in Gaza, while organizations like Svivah are providing spaces for Jewish women to come together and support one another during this challenging time.

Despite the difficult circumstances, many members of the Jewish community believe in the importance of finding hope and celebrating life even in times of adversity. While acknowledging the pain and complexities surrounding the conflict, they are determined to navigate this year's Purim with sensitivity and unity.

As Rabbi Ariele Mortkowitz from Svivah expressed, "Judaism doesn't back away from that."