CARMEL – It was another first for Putnam County, the Jewish holiday of Purim celebrated with a Hawaiian Purim Fiesta.
The holiday commemorates the Jewish peoples’ victory over the evil Prime Minister Haman. It is typically a holiday when children dress up in costumes and sound noisemakers every time Haman’s name is read in the Megillah, the story of the Jews’ triumph over evil during the Persian Empire.
This year’s version of the storytelling was done in tropical style with guests at the celebration in Carmel hosted by Putnam Chabad treated to a smoothie bar, exotic buffet, along with Hawaiian hair beading, face painting and traditional Purim Hamantaschen pastry.
The story of Purim is recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther where Haman’s plot was foiled by the leader of the Jews, Mordecai, and his cousin, Esther, who became Queen of Persian. The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and rejoicing.
Putnam Chabad Rabbi Avi Korer said he never heard of a Hawaiian Purim Festival before, but based on the positive response, “I can assure you this will become an annual event.”
Rabbi Korer will continue
this new tradition
Kids of all ages enjoyed the festivities
