Kings Park Jewish Center Celebrates the Festival of Purim

Congregants of the  Kings Park Jewish Center held their annual Purim celebration on Saturday evening. Purim, one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar, celebrates the saving of the Jews from the evil Haman, through the guidance of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai.

“Purim is a happy event. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil,” said Rabbi Jacob Benzaquen.

The children traditionally wear costumes. This is done to “to show we are living in costumes and illusions,” said Benzaquen. “It is an inversion of reality, the concept that God is hidden. God is understood to play a central role in the saving and salvation of the Jewish people.”

The Rabbi reads the Book of Esther, which tells the story of the battle between Haman who is the villain and Mordecai who the children cheer on as the good guy.

Noise makers, clapping and foot stomping occurs each time the children hear Haman’s name read.

“It is like a Jewish Halloween,” said Toby Everett, a forty-year member and co-president of the center.

“The children love the celebration and the dressing up,” said Benzaquen.

According to the Rabbi there are three main commands of Purim; having a festive meal, giving two food items to at least one person and to not forget the poor.

Hammentash, a fruit filled cookie in the shape of the three pointed hat worn by Haman.

Though the size of the  congregation is currently small, the spirit of the congregants is strong. After the reading the children celebrated by making ice cream sundaes and feasting on sweets. A fruit filled cookie called Hammentaschen is a traditional treat made to resemble the three- pointed hat worn by Haman.