Re posted from www.metroblenznewssquad.com
One of the most festive holidays in the Jewish calendar, Purim is a way to remember an event that took place more than 2,000 years ago in ancient Persia.
As the story goes, Haman, a king’s minister issued an order to eliminate all Jewish people. The queen at this time, Esther, was Jewish, but the king was not aware of this. Mordechai, the leader of the Jewish people, went to the queen for help. Queen Ester went to speak to the king. This was dangerous to do because anyone who came into the king’s presence without being summoned could be put to death, and she had not been summoned. To prepare herself, Esther fasted for three days. The king welcomed her. She told him of Haman’s plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved, and Haman was hanged on gallows that had been prepared for Mordecai.
Over 200 Jewish Richmondites came to River Rock to hear the Megillah (Book of Ester) read aloud; make lots of noise (boo and hiss every time Haman’s name is read); and celebrate Purim in the comfort of Richmond River Rock Show Room Theatre. Other festivities included putting on Tefillin (phylacteries, a set of small cubic leather boxes painted black, containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah with leather straps dyed black on one side, and worn by observant Jewish men); eating well prepared food; arts and crafts for kids; singing and dancing; toasting one another with l’chaim (to life) chatting with old and new friends; and, of course, watching the thrilling men’s gold-medal hockey game, live on two giant show room screens.
Megillah Reading
Putting on Tefillin
Putting on Tefillin
Cheering During Hockey Game
Singing Purim Songs
While, many people came to the Purim celebrations anxious to cheer on their hockey team, Rabbi Baitelman of Chabad of Richmond Jewish Centre, organizers of the event, reminded those in attendance of the four mitzvot (commandments) of Purim.
1) Requirement to read the Megillah,
2) eat a festive meal,
3) sending gifts of food to friends
4) sending food to the poor, or donating money to charity
Many people also came dressed in costume, as is the tradition, and greeted old and new friends with the customary toast of l’chaim over a small glass of wine, beer or schnapps.
Festivities ended, after Canada win of Hockey’s prestigious Olympic gold medal, with many dancing to and singing tradition songs like Havana-gila and Chag-Purim. What a great way to end both Purim and the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Written By: Nicholas Pavlich
Video By: four mitzvot
Nicholas Pavlich is a public relations and marketing professional and freelance writer. Nicholas is @NicholasPR on Twitter and can be reached professionally through www.FuelledCommunications.com
