Chabad Youth Zone Packs Purim Packages for Soldiers in Israel
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March 16, 2008 - Over forty children from throughout the county joined Chabad’s Youth Zone to prepare for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Purim. The event was held March 16 at Chabad’s Goshen location. Participants walked the “red carpet” as they showed off their Purim costumes and received prizes for creative ideas. The children then enthusiastically packed traditional “Mishloach Manot” (Purim packages”) filled with Hamantashin (three-cornered Purim cookies), chocolate and candies to be sent to soldiers in Israel in time for Purim. They also wrote and decorated cards to accompany the packages. The shipping for the packages was sponsored by Henry and Samira Galler of Monroe.
Segal Szuchman of Highland Mills, who attended the program with her three sons, was born in Israel and spoke to the children about her experiences in the Israeli army when she was a soldier. “When you are serving as an Israeli soldier many times it’s not possible to be home with your family during the holidays because you are busy making sure that Israel is safe.” Szuchman told the children that she remembers receiving Purim packages from Chabad when she was in the army, and it made her feel happy and appreciated on the holiday. “I’m glad my boys and the children of Orange County are participating in this great deed,” she said.
Participants then split into groups and prepared a grand “Purim Feast”, decorating cakes, creating fruit kebobs and other special treats. As the children enjoyed their “Purim Feats”, local teenager Jesse Meshulam of Highland Mills preformed a magic show.
“Before each holiday we plan exciting an enriching Youth Zone program,” said Chabad Youth director Bracha Shollar, who, together with Chaya Jacobs, organized the program. “Our goal is to educate the children in a creative way so that they celebrate the upcoming holiday in a more meaningful way.”
For more information on Chabad’s Youth Zone activities, and other events call Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston at 782-2770, write [email protected] or log onto ChabadOrange.com.