Party like it's Purim

Members of Rockville Centre’s two Jewish congregations, Central Synagogue of Nassau County and Temple B’nai Sholom, celebrated religious freedom during Purim services last weekend.

They enjoyed the festive holiday by reading the “Megillah” scrolls that tell the story of Queen Esther of ancient Persia who pleaded with King Ahasuerus to spare her people from soldiers under the command of his evil advisor, Haman.

There were parties, masquerades, parades and plays to tell the story. During the reading, noisemakers were used to blot out the sound of Haman’s name, traditional triangular “hamantaschen” cookies were eaten and plates of cookies, cake and candy called shalach manot are distributed to neighbors, relatives, friends and those less fortunate.