Purim is one of the most playful Jewish holidays, known for distinctively shaped cookies (hamantashen), noisy groggers and eccentric costumes. With this in mind, ATJC, under the leadership of Chairman of the Board William Landa, President Laurence Herrup, Rabbi Jonathan Berkun, Cantor David Muchnick, and Executive Vice President, Dr. Amir Baron, will host the annual Purim Shpiel on Sunday, March 20th at 4 p.m. Families and children of all ages are invited to attend in costume.
The Purim Shpiel is a musical based on the plot of a Broadway play, but has a Purim-themed storyline. It will be performed by talented ATJC members and religious school students. Cantor David Muchnick, director of ATJC’s Religious School and Purim Shpiel, recalls last year’s performance as “a huge success. It was based on Mama Mia, which was aptly renamed Megillah Mia. Everyone had a great time, and we were able to tell the story of Purim in a fun and original way.”
This year’s Shpiel, The Wizard of PersOz was written by Rabbi Richard Agler and Cantor Stephanie Shore from Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton. It is based on a combination of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked and The Wiz and tells the story of Dorthesther, a Jewish girl who does not want to study for her bat mitzvah. She unexpectedly winds up in PersOz and proceeds on a journey to visit the Wizard of PersOz, King Ahashverosh, and rediscovers her appreciation of Judaism. After the performance there will be a traditional Megillah reading, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. followed by hamantashen and refreshments. In addition to the Shpiel, the Megillah of Esther will be read Saturday, March 19th at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 20th at 8:30 a.m.
ATJC is also hosting Pour’em for Purim Party, sponsored in part by The Opium Group, on Saturday, March 19th at 10 p.m. at SET Nightclub (320 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach). The evening will include fantastic music and dancing and the opportunity to meet new friends and toast to the festive holiday. The $20 cover includes open bar from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. This will be ATJC’s Young Professional’s third Purim party, but its first in Miami Beach. ATJC’s most recent Young Professionals event, Latke Vodka, was a fantastic Hanukkah celebration that welcomed over 150 guests.
For more information or to RSVP for any of the Purim festivities, contact ATJC at 305-937-1880 or rsvp@atjc.org, or visit atjc.org.
