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Mostly Cloudy Chabad celebrates Purim Hawaiian-style
There might have been plenty of snow outside last Thursday, but Chabad of Bellmore-Merrick-Wantagh welcomed dozens of local folks inside for a tropical Purim celebration.
The Jewish organization’s ninth annual “Purim Around the World” celebration had a Hawaiian twist this year. Families braved the cold in tropical-themed garb to attend the holiday event, which was moved to 2174 Hewlett Ave. in Merrick from the Merrick Park Golf Course clubhouse because of the snowy weather.
Purim commemorates the escape of the Jewish people from annihilation in ancient Persia, according to Chabad. Rabbi Shimon Kramer explained that the holiday is celebrated by the exchange of food packages among friends, charitable giving and readings from the Megillah, or Purim scroll.
Highlights of this year’s Chabad celebration included:
- An interactive Megillah reading with a simultaneous multimedia slide show.
- Hawaiian cuisine, catered by Prime Kosher.
- A tropical smoothie bar.
- Entertainment by performers from Cirque du Jour.
- A lei-making craft station.
- The exchange of Hawaiian-themed (Shalach Manos) gift baskets.
- A Hawaiian attire masquerade.
Every child in costume received a prize. Chanie Kramer said kids and adults alike enjoyed the event.
