1st Annual Purim Celebration Hosted By Chabad Of Bowie This Friday

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The first annual Purim Celebration hosted by Chabad of Bowie will take place Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

There also will be a Megillah reading, Purim snacks and drinks Thursday at 7:50 p.m. and a Megillah reading and breakfast Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Purim is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a massacre in ancient Persia. It takes place in the Hebrew month of Adar, usually in February or March. Haman, the king's advisor, plotted to kill all the Jews, but Queen Ester, who was Jewish and the king didn't know that, revealed Haman's plot to the king. Haman's plans were foiled and the Jewish people were saved, Rabbi Eli Baron explained to Patch.

"The Hebrew word Purim means 'lots.' Haman cast lots to determine the day he would kill the Jews," Baron told Patch.

People dress up for Purim to replicate Esther's idea of hiding her Jewish identity and to represent the miracles disguised as natural events in the story, Baron said.

"Purim is the holiday of costumes, hamantashen (l'chaims) and unrestrained joy. It's a time to join in celebration with one another, as a community, remembering that like the person hiding inside the costume, G-d sometimes acts in mysterious ways--but that G-d is always with us throughout. G-d is always with us and there is nothing to fear--as long as we take the necessary steps and place our trust in Him. This is the message of the story of Purim," Baron said. "We celebrate by feasting and drinking wine, dressing up in costumes, giving gifts to family and friends, and participating in Purim spiels that re-enact the story."

The event will feature Purim crafts for kids, a masquerade with prizes, a Swift Megillah reading, Hamantash decorating and a buffet dinner, according to Baron.

RSVP for the March 14 event at Chabadbowie.com/purim or text 301-660-8468 or email office@chabadbowie.com to reserve a spot and obtain the address.