Joy of Purim Celebrated – Oriental Style! – At Chabad’s Purim Party
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March 20, 2008 - The joys of Judaism were brought to life when close to three hundred people from throughout the county joined together to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim this past Thursday. The party was held at the American Legion Hall in Monroe and was organized by Chabad of Orange County, directed by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston.
Purim celebrates the historical event of the Jewish nation being saved from a decree of annihilation from the evil oppressor, Haman, and is celebrated by Jews throughout the world with festive parties.
“The joyous practice of Judaism is the key to Jewish survival,” says Chana Burston. “Purim is filled with exciting mitzvoth and customs of wearing costumes, enjoying festive meals, exchanging gifts of food and having lots of parties – it’s a prime opportunity to share the joys and depth of Judaism with the community.” It’s for this reason that each year Chabad finds a creative theme to add to the fun of Purim, and this year’s twist was celebrating “Purim in the Orient”.
Oriental décor and design allowed a uniquely beautiful atmosphere at the party. The walls boasted oriental figures, ornate fans and elaborate oriental wall hangings. Delicate lanterns were strung from the ceiling and dragon figures hung from doorways. Tables were covered in bamboo and decorated with oriental themed placemats and glowing lantern centerpieces.
Many participants dressed in Oriental attire, including the Burston family. Rabbi Pesach wore a kimono and Oriental hat, Chana was dressed in a beautiful Oriental dress, and their two children wore matching oriental outfits. Other participants wore various creative costumes and all enjoyed showing off their outfits in Chabad’s grand masquerade. Each participant walked “the red carpet” and received oriental style prizes.
Rabbi Pesach Burston welcomed the crowd and invited all to exchange “Mishloach manot (food packages)”, one of the traditions of Purim. Chabad provided these packages in take-out Chinese containers filled with Hamantashin (three-cornered cookies) and candies.
One of the evening’s highlights was the performance given by the oriental music ensemble and an incredible Chinese acrobat show.
The crowd gathered together for the reading of the Megillah, the chronicles recounting the story of Purim. A multi-media slideshow played simultaneously. To drown out the name of “Haman”, adults used Chinese noisemakers, and children jumped on bubble wrap.
All enjoyed an elaborate buffet of kosher oriental cuisine and salads. Two on-site chefs prepared delicious sushi.
Children of all ages loved making their own “candy sushi” and decorative Purim masks.
“I loved all the yummy food at the Chinese Purim party,” said Maia Dron, age 7, of Newburgh. “I liked that on every table there were colorful Chinese dresses covering the bottles- everything looked so beautiful!”
Chanan Reitlblat, age 17, of Harriman, commented that, “ I feel that Chabad’s Purim in the Orient party helped me relive the miracle of our past in a very special way. As a senior in public school, I was moved to see so many community members of various backgrounds come together. Celebrating this holiday with Chabad allowed the traditions of Judaism to feel relevant and important to me.”
Many community volunteers and sponsors contributed greatly to the event.
To find out more about Chabad’s holiday programs, call Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston at 782-2770, write [email protected] or log onto ChabadOrange.com.