Fiesta celebrates Purim

Monroe — “Mexican Purim Fiesta” is Chabad of Orange County’s twist this year on the traditional Purim party. The fiesta will be held at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, at the American Legion Hall on 532 Lakes Road in Monroe. Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston will host a Grand Family Purim Party which will include festive music, interactive Megillah reading, and a kosher Mexican buffet with an all-you-can-eat taco bar, burritos, fajitas, and more. Variety artist R. J. Lewis will offer magic, juggling, fire-eating, and ventriloquism. Lewis has performed in the hit musical “Barnum” on Broadway, Atlantic City casinos, and at the White House. There will also be a masquerade contest with prizes, a grand raffle drawing, Shalach Manot gifts at the door, and Purim arts and crafts for all ages. Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people, by the maid Esther, from Haman’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day” in the year 3405 from creation or 356 BCE. Purim literally means “lots,” as Haman determined the day of annihilation by throwing a lottery. Purim is traditionally observed by public readings of the megillah, the Scroll of Esther, sending food portions to friends, giving gifts of money to the poor, and a festive meal. Admission is free, though donations will be accepted. Reservations are required. Call 782-2770 or write to purim@ChabadOrange.com. For more information, visit www.ChabadOrange.com.