In many ways, the joyous result of Jewish solidarity and faith in the unseen hand of G‑d is what the Purim story is all about: Queen Esther linked her fate with the Jewish people in Shushan at a time when they needed it the most, while the Jewish people prayed, fasted and gave charity to ensure a successful outcome.
With anti-Semitism and terror on the rise around the world, Chabad centers have been developing innovative and festive themes to gather their communities together, and bring new faces through the door to celebrate and complete some of the holiday’s four mitzvahs—hearing the Megillah read, sending gifts of food to others, giving charity to the needy and eating a festive meal.
Purim, which is celebrated annually on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar—corresponding this year from the night of Wednesday, March 4, to Thursday, March 5—recalls the Jewish people’s salvation in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to destroy them.
One theme this year for the holiday at a number of Chabad centers is “Purim in Paris.” Like the French-themed Shabbat meals that took place around the world in January after a week of violence there, this week’s meals and celebrations will emphasize solidarity with European Jewry.
Take, for instance, an event right outside Washington, D.C.
Rabbi Mordechai Newman, co-director of Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington in Virginia with his wife, Yehudis, is holding their 14th-annual event with the international theme of “Purim Around the World,” this year with a French flair.
To inspire solidarity with the Jews of Paris, French food is on the menu: chicken Provençal, beef bourguignon, and other classic sides and desserts. They’re looking forward to a big crowd.
“We felt this would serve as a way to make people feel that we’re all in it together,” he says. “We feel that the message of Purim, which is about being proud of being Jewish, is especially vital and timely this year.”
Hats Off to Royalty
Much farther north, Yocheved Boyarsky’s family is getting ready for an “Enchanted Purim” in chilly Canada. The co-director of the Rohr Chabad Student Network of Ottowa with her husband, Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky, along with their five daughters, ages 3 to 11, are preparing to get decked out in medieval garb for their Purim party. The rabbi and his wife are dressing up as a medieval king-and-queen duo; their girls are going to be princesses.
They’re expecting 150 to 170 participants from their largely student community to join them at a hall rented on campus for a Megillah reading, hypnotist and catered buffet “fit for a king (and queen).” They plan on giving out castle-themed mishloach manot for their guests to hand out the next day and are entering those who bring a friend who has never been to Chabad before in a raffle for tickets to an Ottawa Senators ice-hockey game.
The rabbi explains that “the holiday teaches us the story of Mordechai; he didn’t bow, he stood up for Jewish pride, and we try and instill that value. If you stand for nothing, you fall for anything … the goal is to instill joy and Jewish pride.”
There will be castle piñatas, table decorations and a “castle wall,” but mostly, the evening will be about the atmosphere, stresses Yocheved Boyarsky. “It’s what you do with the mood you create, the costumes you’ll be wearing and the people coming in—the whole spirit of the evening.”
For many students, it will be their first Jewish event, she says, and hopefully, they’ll be back for more. “Purim is a very exciting holiday, and they’re going to find out all kinds of other things that we do, our upcoming events. We really hope that this will be a great way to have an exciting, enjoyable Jewish experience on campus.”
Setting Up for the Holiday
Everyone’s preparing for the holiday this week, and Chabad.org’s comprehensive Purim guide links users to a directory of holiday events in more than 400 cities around the globe, a synopsis and more-lengthy retelling of the Purim story, a study section with frequently-asked-questions, and a commentary on the Scroll of Esther. The Purim audio and video section includes an hour-long excerpt of a 1973 Purim gathering with the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, Purim songs and a video on how a bakery makes the holiday’s signature hamantash pastry.
Rabbi Yanky Majesky, co-director of Chabad Lubavitch of North Orlando in Lake Mary, Fla., with his wife, Chanshy, is setting up for a Megillah reading where people dress up in the costumes resonant of the “Roaring Twenties.” The evening is going to be set in a social hall on the grounds of the Central Florida Zoo, complete with a murder-mystery show (a different one is slated for the kids). They’ll start off with the Megillah reading, then dinner and the show.
“We hope that they experience Yiddishkeit in a family fun environment, and it makes them want to incorporate more Yiddishkeit in their lives and be more involved with the community,” says the rabbi.
They’re expecting about 100 people for the 1920s-themed event and are really excited about the show, where people will have to do a little sleuthing. “Mystery is what Purim is all about,” affirms Majesky. “That’s why we have hamantashen (they’re all covered up) and costumes. And G‑d’s name is not even mentioned in the Megillah.”
As part of their broader Purim plans, volunteers are giving out 100 baskets of food and treats to the community.
Rabbi Shlame Landa of the Connecticut-based Chabad of Fairfield and his wife, Miriam, are getting ready for Thursday evening’s “Purim Under the Sea”—a popular theme at Chabad centers this year. For their community, they’re planning a kosher fish buffet and a “Bubblemania” show to give the event a symbolic feel.
Their Chabad House will resemble an aquarium, with sea-like wallpaper and sea-related costumes. “We’ve done Purim in Israel, Purim at the Circus, Purim in Africa, but this is our first time going underwater,” says the rabbi.
The festivities will begin with an interactive Megillah reading, followed by dinner and entertainment. “There will be all kinds of ocean-related crafts for children, and hopefully, everyone will learn a little something while being together with other Jews to celebrate Purim,” he explains. They’re expecting 100 people; the night before, they’re also hosting an adult social for another 40 to 50 guests.
“I hope they come away with a memorable Jewish experience and one that children will look back at fondly. It’s something we can take with us throughout the year.”
Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Prisons
Rabbi Mendel Katzman, co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Nebraska in Omaha with his wife, Shani, is revving up for Megillah readings around town. They’re also planning to open a new center in Lincoln; as such, they’re holding a program for University of Nebraska college students on Wednesday evening and something for the community the next day, on Thursday, for the first time.
There will be events in Omaha as well; in fact, their Purim feast, which usually draws about 75 people, is now in its 28th year. It will feature an Israeli chef who, in addition to planning and preparing the feast, will be sharing a personal miracle and “encouraging everyone to pay more attention to G‑d’s blessings,” explains Katzman.
Over the years, they’ve extended their reach during the holiday to include Megillah readings at hospitals, nursing homes and even prisons.
Meanwhile, he adds, world events have been raising people’s consciousness regarding Jewish identity.
“I think people are becoming more interested in looking back into Jewish history, into Torah, into G‑d’s miracles,” he says. “They’re really trying to connect in ways we haven’t seen before. I’m really looking forward to a very special Purim.”
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