Celebrating the Festival of Purim

Prizes, noisemakers, costumes and treats were in abundance at Temple Beth Shalom on Sunday as the congregation joined together to celebrate the Festival of Purim. 

Purim is a festive Jewish holiday commemorating a major victory over oppression as is recounted in the Megillah, the scroll of the story of Esther. Purim takes place on the 14th and 15th days of Adar, the 12th month of the Jewish calendar. Purim began this year at sundown on Saturday.

The name of the holiday refers to the plot of King Ahasuerus’ advisor Haman, which was to massacre all of the Jews. Esther, one of the king's wives and a Jewess herself, saved the Jewish people from Haman's plot by revealing it to the king.

Rabbi Ari Goldstein led the Megillat Esther Reading, involving various temple members and making the story understandable and entertaining for all ages. Afterwards, participants were entertained by Bayzl, the Chesapeake Bay Sea Monster.

Families were then dismissed to enjoy the many games and activities offered by the temple’s youth group. Organizers Janet Baer and Erin Weinman wished to thank Naval Bagels who donated bagels and Pizza Bolis of Annapolis Road for their generosity in providing food for the event.

Youth group parents and members who organized the event wished to especially thank:  Larry Polster, Greg Weinman, Hanah Polster, Kelsey Weinman, Joanna Rubin, Shelly Sainsburg, Rachel Monias, Mariel Evers, and Zane Anthony. 

Member Jill Sussman coordinated a new TBS effort for Purim this year that included pre-ordered food baskets. A Purim custom is to give friends and family members food baskets, specially prepared with at least two different types of ready-to-eat foods. The rationale behind this custom is linked to another Purim tradition -- having a feast in the late afternoon. The baskets are to ensure that everyone has enough food to eat at the Purim feast.

Temple administrator Karen Brachman, in full pink princess costume, said the festival was a great success, due to the hard work of many volunteers. “Everyone is having such a good time, which is the real way to celebrate Purim,” she said.