Using Masks – Back to square one

In the following lesson we will deal with the connection between disguises and Purim. We will also learn why significant biblical figures disguised themselves, on several ocaasions.

The students will watch the following video (start from 0:20. At this stage we would not like the students to know the old man is in disguise). After watching, the teacher should ask them whether or not the old man is wearing a mask. 

Ask the students the following thought-provoking questions: 

• Which situations cause us to become negatively surprised? [1]
• Would you like to live in a world in which some people wear reallistic looking silicon masks ?

In case student's answer will be negative, they will face the following question:

• If so, why do you consider a fashion wig to be legitimate (not in Halachic terms, but in general)? Is there any difference between wearing a wig and wearing a silicon mask?

[1]  A possible answer: when someone we look up to, or someone who is close to us does something morally wrong? 

Divide the class into several groups. Each group will discuss one biblical source; with the help of  guiding questions [see the attached].
The teacher will appoint a 'leader' for each group, who will be responsible of her group's performance.

Each group representative will give a short presentation about the biblical source his group discussed, and their answers to the guiding questions. Allow time for questions in the end.

Option 1– Writing assignment
The students will answer the following questions in essay form.

1. Describe a situation in which you used a 'mask'. Explain why you used it.
2. Which types of 'masks' make you feel comfortable, and which don’t?
3. Are there any people who regularly see you while your 'mask' is on? Who are those people?

A few students will share their answers with their fellow classmates.

Option 2 - Presentation
Ask a few students to describe and present a situation in which they are forced to use a 'mask'. Then ask them to explain their reason for wearing the mask (due to: fear / shame / modesty / impersonation/ deceit).

Option 3 - Student Theater
Ask for a few volunteers to perform the scene in which one of the biblical figures used a 'mask' (Adam, Moses, Saul, Ahab, and so on…) according to their own personal perspective[1].
This activity may be done several times by using different students and different biblical characters.

[1] Encourage the students to add their own dialogue and language and to embellish the scene beyond the Biblical text.

1. Form an instruction related to the usage of masks: Which occasions warrant the use of masks, and in which should it be avoided ?
2. In your opinion, when do people usually wear masks?
3. What do you think is the connection between Purim and masks?

What do the masks have to do with Purim?

The Talmud says:

It resembles the minus sign ( - ). When we double it, it becomes a plus ( + ). In other words, wearing a mask on Purim is what gets us back to square one, to where it all started.
This is the meaning of the concept called "ונהפוכו". Our routine is full of masks. On Purim we are encouraged to  wear an additional mask, on top of the one we already wear in our everyday life. In this way, we are able to return to our true nature.

This is also, why we drink wine in Purim. Only through wine the truth is revealed ("נכנס יין יצא סוד"). It is only when we expose our true nature, that there is no need to wear a mask