B’nai Israel Southbury -- www.BnaiIsraelSouthbury.org -- will host its annual Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 11 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at 444 Main Street North in Southbury, CT, on the sprawling, 17-acre Walzer Family Jewish Community Campus — one of the region’s largest community, cultural, spiritual and educational centers of its kind.
This free family event, open to the public, will feature games and prizes, a crafts table, face painting, carnival-themed food on sale, such as popcorn and cotton candy, as well as traditional homemade Hamantashen in 10 delicious flavors (Almond, Apple, Apricot, Blueberry, Cherry, Chocolate, Poppyseed, Prune, Raspberry and Strawberry).
Purim is the most “carnival-esque” Jewish holiday. Purim is often celebrated with dressing up and satirical performances, all recalling the evil decrees of Haman that were ultimately overturned. Prior to its Purim Carnival, B’nai Israel Southbury will conduct its annual “Purim Spiel,” a performance led by the congregation’s musical director, Linda Goodman, and featuring children from the B’nai Israel Religious School. Rabbi Polokoff will also lead a satirical Purim Spiel on the Eve of Purim, Wednesday evening March 7 at 7:00 PM, which is likewise open to the community.
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“Purim is a celebratory time of year for Jews and we’re always excited to join in Purim Carnival festivities with the members of our congregation and our neighbors in the community,” said Rabbi Eric Polokoff. “Our Purim Spiel is a creative outlet that is something we look forward to every year as the youth in our congregation, under Linda Goodman’s talented direction, share the story of Purim. The kids have fun dressing up and turning into costumed characters for the day…as do many of the adults! And Linda and I, too, enjoy surprising folks with our costumes.”
The Book of Esther recounts the story of Purim, telling of how the Jews of Persia were saved from destruction. During the time of King Ahasuerus, one of his ministers, Haman, sought to destroy the Jews in revenge for being snubbed by the Jew Mordecai, who refused to bow down to him. With the king's authority, he draws lots (pur) to determine the fateful day, which falls on the 13th of the Hebrew month of Adar.
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Learning of this decree, Mordecai approaches the new queen, his cousin Esther, to intercede with the king. Esther, who has not revealed her Judaism publicly, fasts for three days in preparation for this task. At a banquet for the king and Haman, she denounces the evil Haman, who is eventually hanged. Because a royal decree cannot be rescinded--including the decree ordering the extermination of the Jews--Mordecai must send another decree to all the provinces. This letter authorizes the Jews to protect themselves from their enemies. The days following the Jews' struggle with their enemies (the 14th and 15th of Adar) are declared days of feasting and merrymaking, today celebrated as Purim.
“Purim is a celebration of good triumphing over evil, intelligence and courage trumping greed and oppression,” said Rabbi Polokoff. “While based on ancient events, the story of Purim rings very true in today’s world. We look forward to celebrating with everyone on March 11 at our Purim Carnival.”
For more information, contact the office of B’nai Israel Southbury at 203-267-3394.
About B’nai Israel Southbury: Congregation B’nai Israel Southbury is a warm, welcoming, sensitive and diverse congregation located in northwestern New Haven County at 444 Main Street North in Southbury, CT, on the sprawling, 17-acre Walzer Family Jewish Community Campus — one of the region’s largest community, cultural, spiritual and educational centers of its kind. B’nai Israel Southbury shares its gorgeous campus with its partner organization, The Federation: Jewish Communities of Northwestern CT, and is home of religious instruction and expression for many Jews, interfaith families and their loved ones from a wide radius of Connecticut towns, including Bethlehem, Brookfield, Litchfield, Middlebury, New Hartford, Newtown, Oxford, Roxbury, Sandy Hook, Southbury, Washington, Waterbury, Watertown, Woodbury, and other local communities. Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, B'nai Israel is also active in the area Jewish and interfaith communities. Visit www.BnaiIsraelSouthbury.org.
