Staff Report
Stroll through the palace courtyard, masquerade in royal attire and enjoy a feast fit for a king at this year’s Purim celebration. “Purim in the Palace” is Chabad of Brandon’s creative twist to this year’s community celebration of Purim, the holiday commemorating the Jewish people’s salvation in Persia of old. The festivities will be held at The Jewish Discovery Center, located at 1578 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico on Thursday, March 5.
Purim begins this year after sundown on Wednesday, March 4 and ends at nightfall on Thursday, March 5. It is 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. Chabad’s original spin on this age-old holiday has helped bring the spirit of Purim to Brandon year after year.
“Purim in the Palace will combine ancient Jewish traditions with a modern twist,” said Rabbi Mendel Rubashkin, Director, Chabad of Brandon. “We focus on doing interesting and innovative programs, yet still keeping with the holiday theme.”
The event is a community-wide program, and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Participants will enjoy a multimedia Megilla reading, a Purim feast fit for a king, Hamantashen, royal entertainment and dancing.
“The event is focused primarily on spirit, fun, and tradition,” said Illene Blicblum, who helped organize the event. “Everyone is sure to have a great time.”
In the spirit of Purim, participants are encouraged to come in costume.
The cost is $15 per person or $50 family and begins at 5:30 p.m. RSVP at www.jewishbrandon.com/rsvp.
For more information on Purim festivities or on the holiday of Purim and its observances, contact Rabbi Rubashkin at 571-8100 or visit www.jewishbrandon.com/purim.
Chabad of Brandon offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.
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