The Shul will host a "Purim in Jerusalem" celebration on Sunday, February 24th beginning at 4:00pm.  A crowd of over 250 is expected to attend. The program will include live Israeli music; singing; dancing; a family-style feast with gourmet Israeli dishes (including Shwarma, Falafel, Babaganoush, Pita and Zaatar, Bourekas, Yemenite Bean Soup, and more); a Shuk (traditional marketplace); games; mini Kotel (Western Wall); and a children's program with a petting zoo evocative of Israel’s kibbutz (farming) communities.  Children will also decorate cards to send to soldiers serving in the Israeli Defense Force.

"Purim is one of the most important Jewish holidays of the year," says Rabbi Avremi Schapiro, Youth Director at The Shul.  "It's a holiday that is observed--as elaborated in Jewish law--by friends exchanging gifts of food, charity to the poor, and a festive meal, celebrating the miraculous Purim story.  This year, we wanted to create for attendees the feeling that they’re actually visiting Jerusalem and experiencing its unique qualities not found anywhere else in the world.”

The Purim event will include a reading of the "Megillah" or Scroll of Esther.  Purim celebrates the chronicle of Queen Esther who helped save the Jews from the evil Prime Minister Haman. It's a story full of twists and turns for young and old alike. 

Purim in Jerusalem will be held on Sunday, February 24th at The Shul at 8825 N. Lake Drive in Bayside.  The program will begin at 4:00pm with the reading of the Megillah.  Dinner begins at 4:30pm with children's programs to follow.  Festivities are open to the public.  The cost for this event is $12 per adult and $8 per child.  Children under five are admitted at no charge, and there is a maximum cost per family of $55.  No one will be turned away due to a lack of funds.   

Complete details can be found at shulcenter.org/Purim2013.