Chabad of Greater Hartford’s Purim extravaganza will be held in West Hartford on March 1.

Submitted

Chabad of Greater Hartford will be hosting a unique and exciting “Purim in the NYC” themed Purim extravaganza. The event will take place Thursday, March 1, at 5 p.m. at the Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Dr. in West Hartford.

Celebrants at “Purim in NYC” will get a taste of all parts of Manhattan: hot dogs and Hamantashen in “Hell’s Kitchen,” linguini  in “Little Italy,” and snacks in “Soho.” There will be kosher pickle-making on the “Lower East Side.” You can head to “Midtown” to hear the Megillah – the reading of the historical Purim story from a scroll.

Additionally, all participants can enjoy exchanging Mishloach Manot souvenirs in “Madison Square,” as it is a Purim custom to express the joy of the holiday by exchanging gifts of food with one another.

Entertainment will include “Street performers in Times Square” led by Breakdancers from DANCESTYLEZ ENTERTAINMENT, and a “Masquerade in Manhattan” as it is traditional to dress up on this holiday.

“Costumes have huge significance on Purim,” explains Miriam Gopin, “as the heroine Queen Esther hid her Jewish identity which eventually saved the Jewish people.” Gopin also explains that one must “look for the hand of God” in the Purim story, as the miracles of Purim appear to be natural events. “Some holidays emphasize open, huge miracles, the Purim victory, with its seemingly natural occurrence of events, reminds us that God is in our everyday lives, directing everything.”

The cost to attend is $25 adult, $18 student, $12 child, $65 family. For those who prepay before Feb. 28, the cost is $20 adult, $15 student, $10 child, $60 family.

To RSVP, and for additional Purim events and Megillah Reading (reading the story of Esther from the traditional handwritten Scroll), contact [email protected], 860-232-1116 or visit ChabadHartford.com. On its website, Chabad also offers a comprehensive Purim guide on its Purim Mega Site: www.ChabadHartford.com/Purim.

What’s Purim?

The Jewish holiday of holiday of Purim – observed this year from Wednesday night Feb. 28 through Thursday, March 1 – celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people living in the fourth century from Haman’s plot to annihilate the entire Jewish nation. It is observed by public readings of the Megillah (or Scroll of Esther), sending food to friends (known as “mishloach manot”), giving gifts of money to the poor, and enjoying a festive meal.  A time-honored Purim custom is to dress up and disguise oneself – an allusion to the fact that the miracle of Purim was disguised in natural garments. This is also the significance behind a traditionalPurim food, the “hamantash” – a pastry whose filling is hidden within a three-cornered crust. It’s a mitzvah (commandment) to hear the Megillah read twice, once on Purim eve and again on Purim day.

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