Purim in Israel
Create sand art in the Negev Desert, pray at the Western Wall, enjoy delicious Israeli falafel and Shwarma while enjoying Israeli music at this year’s Purim celebration. “Purim in Israel” is Chabad of Greater Gainesville’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 Virginia Oaks Golf Club on March 1st.
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 brings the spirit of Purim to Gainesville for it’s third year.
The event is a community-wide program, and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Participants will enjoy Israeli themed activities & food.
In addition, the celebration will feature holiday sand art, a caricaturist and a child-friendly reading of the Book of Esther, known in Hebrew as the Megillah.
In the spirit of Purim, participants are encouraged to come in costume.
