Bellmore-Merrick community looks ahead to Purim events
As the weekend approaches, the Bellmore-Merrick Jewish community will soon be celebrating the holiday, Purim, and synagogues in the area have special events planned to commemorate the saving of the Jewish people from Haman, an official of the First Persian Empire, who was planning to have all of Persia’s Jewish subjects killed.
The holiday is celebrated by reading the Book of Esther — or the Megillah — and by completing 5 mitzvot, or commandments, which includes giving gifts to the poor, doing the same for friends and family members, and enjoying a traditional Purim feast.
Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore will host the 28th annual Mel Polay Purim Carnival on March 5. Five years ago, Beth Ohr merged with Temple Israel in South Merrick. The carnival was founded by Evelyn Polay, a longtime Temple Israel congregant, in honor of her late husband, Mel, who died 28 years ago. Since the carnival's creation, it has become a fixture in the community.
It is set to take place at Beth Ohr's Merrick annex, located at 2655 Clubhouse Road. Around the carnival, games like ring toss and a basketball throw will be set up, among several others. Children can win prizes, get temporary tattoos and enjoy sweet treats.
The carnival is open to the public, 10:30 a.m. t0 12:30 p.m., and there's no charge if you pre-register.
The Chabad Center for Jewish Life will host a Purim Party on March 7, at several times throughout the evening at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse.
This year's party will have a fun, 60s theme — there will be nifty games, "jammin music," Megillah readings, and a "far out Purim feast."
Four Megillah readings are set to take place with the Chabad, the first on March 6 at the Chabad Center, located at 2174 Hewlett Ave., Merrick. On March 7, readings will take place at 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. at the golf course, located at 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick.
Pre-registration is required to attend the Chabad's Purim Party. Please visit ChabadJewishLife.org for more information. Admission for adults is $18, and $12 for children — however, no one will be turned away due to a lack of funds.
