March 6, 2023 – Submitted by Chabad of the South Shore
Hingham, MA — “International Purim” is Chabad of the South Shore’s creative twist to this year’s community celebration of Purim, the holiday commemorating the Jewish people’s salvation in ancient Persia. The festivities will be held in Hingham, exact location of the event will be shared upon reservation, on March 7th featuring a buffet dinner and ventriloquist show.
The most joyous date on the Jewish calendar commemorates the abolition in 356 B.C.E. of a decree calling for the extermination of the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. Purim is observed with the reading of the Megillah (Scroll of Esther) which recounts the story of the Purim miracle, gifting food gifts to friends, giving charity to the needy and enjoying a festive Purim meal. Children—and some adventurous adults too—traditionally dress in costumes, an allusion to G‑d’s hand in the Purim miracle, which was disguised by natural events.
This year’s Purim celebration carries added significance as Jewish communities worldwide celebrate the Year of Hakhel or “Gathering,” marked with Jewish gatherings focused on unity, Torah learning and practice.
The event is a community-wide program, and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Participants will enjoy traditional Purim foods like Hamantaschen, the opportunity to hear the reading of the Megillah/scroll of Esther and a ventriloquist show.
“Purim is a time to celebrate as a community, to gather together — adults and children — to hear the story of our survival as a people,” said Levi Lezell, Rabbi of Chabad of the South Shore. “What greater joy can there be than to be surrounded by family and friends in celebration of our rich heritage!”
At a time we are seeing a rise in antisemitic rhetoric, the Purim celebration takes on added meaning. “This year’s Purim celebration has an international theme, highlighting how when people are united for goodness and kindness, as we did millenia ago, we will stand proudly and rise above any negativity,” said Rabbi Levi Lezell.”
In the spirit of Purim, participants are encouraged to come in international-themed costume.
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Event Recap:
What: International Purim Celebration
Where: Location will be shared upon RSVP
When: March 7th at 4:30 PM
Cost: No charge
What is the holiday of Purim?
Purim is celebrated on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar — beginning this year on March 6th at sundown and ending at nightfall on March 7th. 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.” In response to Haman’s plot, Mordechai, the Jewish leader, gathered the entire nation to strengthen their faith and pray for salvation as Queen Esther worked to foil Haman’s plot.
Purim is observed with the readings of the Megillah (Scroll of Esther) which recounts the story of the Purim miracle, gifting food gifts to friends, giving charity to the needy and enjoying a festive Purim meal. Children—and some adventurous adults too—traditionally dress in costumes, an allusion to G‑d’s hand in the Purim miracle, which was disguised by natural events.
For more on Purim visit SouthShoreChabad.com/Purim.
Chanukah Behind us and Purim right ahead
Ken Paull, a Cohasset resident, lights the 9-foot Menorah at the Hingham Shipyard on the first night of Chanukah, during a community celebration sponsored by Herb Chambers and organized by Chabad of the South Shore. Close to a hundred people gathered together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. As part of the festivities, there was a “Chanukah Gelt (chocolate coins) Drop” from the top of a Hingham fire truck and holiday greetings were shared by Hingham Selectman Joe Fisher.
In addition to the Chanukah celebration, Chabad of the South Shore is also organizing a community event for the upcoming holiday of Purim on March 7th in Hingham. The event, which will have an international theme in honor of the year of Hakel “year of Gathering”, will feature a ventriloquist show, the reading of the ancient scroll of Megillat Esther and a buffet dinner. Those interested in attending the Purim party can RSVP by visiting SouthShoreChabad.com/PurimParty. (Photo credit: Josh Ross)