Celebrating Purim with a fiesta

Monroe — The Jewish holiday of Purim was celebrated with a special flair at Chabad of Orange County’s “Mexican Purim Fiesta.” Two-hundred men, woman and children of diverse Jewish affiliations and backgrounds attended the event on Tuesday, March 14, at the American Legion Hall in Monroe. The Megillah of Esther, which depicts the story of Purim, was read simultaneously was a multi-media slide show, starring the students of the Chabad Hebrew School. To drown out the name of Haman the adversary, children jumped on gigantic bubble wrap, and shook graggers (noisemakers) and maracas. A kosher buffet dinner included an all-you-can-eat taco bar, burritos, fajitas, and other Mexican entrees. The crowd was entertained by the comedy, magic and ventriloquism of R. J. Lewis, a comedian who has performed on Broadway, in casinos and at the White House. Children participated in creating Purim masks. At the conclusion, participants young and old presented their costumes in a masquerade contest. Before leaving, guests were given “Mishloach Manot” packages, filled with treats. This Purim held special significance for Rabbi Pesach Burston and his wife Chana. “Purim is the most joyous holiday on the Jewish calendar,” Burston explained, “and it is traditional to send Purim packages to one another on this day. Today, Chana and I received a most memorable Purim package, a baby boy.” For more information, call 782-2770 or visit www.ChabadOrange.com.