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Chabad goes Hawaiian for Purim

| 28 Feb 2012 | 01:53
    Lola Sale, 6, of Highland Mills dresses in costume as she learns about Queen Esther in the Purim story at Chabad Hebrew School.
    Lola Sale, 6, of Highland Mills dresses in costume as she learns about Queen Esther in the Purim story at Chabad Hebrew School.
    Rabbi Pesach Burston, director of Chabad of Orange County, with parrot friends, gets into a Hawaiian groove.
    Rabbi Pesach Burston, director of Chabad of Orange County, with parrot friends, gets into a Hawaiian groove.
    Evan Leeds, 5, of Monroe displays the clown-themed Purim “gragger” (noisemaker) he designed.
    Evan Leeds, 5, of Monroe displays the clown-themed Purim “gragger” (noisemaker) he designed.

CHESTER — Purim will be celebrated Hawaiian style by Chabad of Orange County, directed by Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston.

Festivities will include an exotic food buffet, tropical smoothie bar, parrot show, limbo game, and masquerade with prizes for children and adults. Additional highlights include an interactive Megillah (Scroll of Esther) reading, door prizes, and luau crafts.

Guests are encouraged to wear costumes.

“We are looking forward to a festive event," said Rabbi Burston. “On Purim there is a special Mitzvah to be happy."

The holiday celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people in the fourth century from Haman’s plot to annihilate them. It is observed by public readings of the Megillah, 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 miracle of Purim disguised in natural garments. The “hamantash” pastry, a traditional Purim treat, has filling hidden in a three-cornered crust.

It’s a mitzvah (commandment) to hear the Megillah read twice, once on Purim eve and again on Purim day.

All are welcome, regardless of affiliation or background. The party is free, but Chabad welcomes sponsorship and donations for the event.