Purim takes off to exotic locales

Goshen — Purim, a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from the Persian Emperor Haman’s plot to annihilate them, will be celebrated by two local Chabads. Purim is characterized by public recitation of the Book of Esther, giving gifts of food and drink, giving to the poor, sharing a celebratory meal, and other customs, like wearing masks and costumes. n Purim in Outer Space Chabad of Mid-Hudson Valley Chabad will host a traditional Purim and Shabbat feast at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 21, at the home of Rabbi Meir and Rivkie Borenstein in Goshen. A traditional Megillah reading will be offered at 6 p.m., followed by a feast with l’chayims and lots of Purim spirit. Reservations are required. Call Chabad at 463-5801 or e-mail chabadmidhudsonvly@prodigy.net. Chabad will also hold a Purim feast at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, at the Best Western Inn, 2170 South Rd., in Poughkeepsie. “Purim in Outer Space” is Chabad’s creative twist this year. The celebration will include “space crafts,” ha-moon-tashen dipping (traditional pastries shaped like Haman’s hat), making a rocket ship Megillah (the traditional Scroll of Esther), alien mask decorating, candy comets, UFO glow-in-the-dark frisbee,s and more. The entertainment will include the “Bubblemania Show” with Doug Leurouex, and followed with a Megillah “blastoff,” and the reading of Esther with a color slide show. A buffet, including a vegetarian and a kids’ menu, and live music hits and dancing. All who come in costume (outer space or other) will receive a free door prize. The evening is dedicated to the memory of Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut who perished aboard the Columbia space shuttle. Admission $16 for adults, $12 for children. For more information visit www.chabadmidhudsonvalley.com. Purim in the Orient “Purim in the Orient” is Chabad of Orange County’s theme this year. “This party will surely be a creative and exciting experience for people of all ages and all backgrounds and an opportunity to partake in the special mitzvos (commandments) for Purim at the same time,” said Rabbi Pesach Burston. The celebration will be held at the American Legion Hall on 532 Lakes Road in Monroe at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 20. The fun includes: A show of theatrical Chinese acrobats and an Oriental musical ensemble, an interactive Megillah reading, a red-carpet masquerade, prizes, a full Chinese buffet dinner, and an all-you-can-eat Kosher sushi bar with an on-site sushi chef. Additional children’s activities include Purim- and Oriental-themed arts and crafts such as candy sushi making, Purim mask decorating, and more. Admission is free. Donations will be welcome. For more information and to RSVP, call Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston 782-2770 or e-mail rabbi@ChabadOrange.com or visit www.ChabadOrange.com.