by Rabbi Moishe Kievman

Chabad Chayil

As the community begins to rebound from the pandemic, Purim—a holiday that includes a custom of dressing up and wearing masks—will be celebrated locally with covid-safe versions of the traditional observances.

Billed as the most joyous date on the Jewish calendar, the daylong holiday commemorates the nullification in 356 B.C.E. of a Persian decree calling for the extermination of the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire as told in the biblical Book of Esther.

In addition to the mitzvot of the holiday, a traditional custom is dressing up in costumes and masks, to recall that the miracle of Purim was disguised in natural events. While mask-wearing is encouraged annually at the celebration, at this year's Purim celebration it will have extra meaning.

The festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar. It begins this year after sundown of Thursday, Feb 25th and ends at nightfall on Friday, Feb 26th, going right into Shabbat. The holiday commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in Ancient Persia from Haman's plot "to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day."

I encourage you to contact your local Chabad or synagogue to see what they’re doing to celebrate. You’re of course welcome to join us, free of charge, at our annual Purim Party!

Chabad’s original spins on this age-old holiday has helped bring the spirit of Purim to South Florida year after year. Some of their past Purim themes have included Purim in Outer Space, Purim in Candyland, Purim in the Park & Purim at the Stadium. This year, “Purim Outdoors” is Chabad Chayil's creative twist to the community celebration of Purim. The covid-safe festivities will be held outside Chabad Chayil, at 2601 NE 211 Ter, on Thursday evening, Feb 25, starting at 6:44 pm. It will feature live music with Pardes - a Hollywood based Kosher Rock Band, a lavish BBQ dinner and the whole Megillah! It will also feature a Kangoo Shoes professional trainer so that participants can then dance the night away, in a socially distanced, yet fun way!

The celebration will include opportunities to observe the four mitzvot of Purim, including hearing the Megillah—the Purim story as written in the Book of Esther; exchanging gifts of food; giving charity to the needy; and enjoying a festive holiday meal.

In the spirit of Purim, participants are encouraged to come in costume—and required to wear a mask!

The event is a community-wide program, and all are welcome to join, regardless of affiliation or background. Children will enjoy making their own Mishloach Manot and playing music games, while adults party the night on. There is no charge for anyone to join, though donations always help us bring quality programs to the community.

For party details, Megillah reading times or to learn more about the holiday & the complete Purim story, or to help sponsor food for the poor or this community event call (305) 770-1919 or visit ChabadChayil.org/Purim

About the author:

Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of CHAP - an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at (305) 770-1919 or [email protected]