Litchfield Chabad plans Purim celebration

LITCHFIELD — Chabad of Northwest Connecticut has scheduled community celebrations of Purim, the holiday commemorating the Jewish people’s salvation in Persia of old, according to members.

The festivities will be held at Chabad at 69 West Street in Litchfield, at 6:15 p.m. March 6, with a buffet dinner; and at Oxford Greens, Oxford, at 1 p.m. March 7. Sushi and Purim delicacies will be served.

The Purim 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 Northwest Connecticut year after year, according to members.

“It combines ancient Jewish traditions with a modern twist,” said Rabbi Joseph Eisenbach, director of Chabad of Northwest Connecticut. “We focus on doing interesting and innovative programs that will maximize the enjoyment for young and old alike, yet still keeping with the holiday theme.”

These events are a community-wide program, and all are invited to attend regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. The celebrations will feature a user-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, and there will be a competition for the most innovative or funny entries.

Tickets are $20 per person, $12 for children under 12, and $50 for a family, for the Litchfield dinner on March 6; admission is free for the Oxford event on March 7.

According to the Chabad, the festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar. It begins this year after sundown on March 6th and ends 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.” It is observed by public readings of the Megillah, or Scroll of Esther, to recount the story of the Purim miracle, sending food gifts to friends, giving gifts of money to the poor and enjoying a festive Purim meal.

For more information on Purim festivities or on the holiday of Purim and its observances, visit chabadNW.org/ mypurim

Chabad Lubavitch/Contributed photo Chabad Lubavitch in Litchfield is holding Purim events March 6-7.