Purim is coming! And each year synagogues around the world compose creative skits and musical extravaganzas as a way to celebrate the deliverance of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire where a plot had been formed to destroy them.
According to the Biblical Book of Esther, Haman, royal vizier to King Ahasuerus, planned to kill all the Jews in the empire, but his plans were foiled by Mordecai and his cousin Esther, who had risen to become Queen of Persia. The day of deliverance continues to be a day of feasting and rejoicing.
This year Temple Beth Am will re-tell the Purim story through a creative YouTube video in which the stars of the story are children in our schools, staff, clergy, choir members and our own youth band. With imagination and humor, our original production will combine the most current technology with an ageless lesson in resilience and faith.
Directed by Laurie Stein, former local newscaster, and Cantor Rachelle Nelson, video-Megillah (Book of Esther) premiers Wednesday, March 4, at 6:30 pm in the auditorium where popcorn and hamentashen will be served.
Adults are invited at 8 p.m. to an Irreverent After-Hours Purim Celebration that will spoof the hit Bravo TV show Watch What Happens Live. Our own Judge David Young stars as TV personality Andy Cohen, local chef David Schwadron will serve as guest bartender and Beth Am clergy appear as Purim celebrities.
Finally, the community is invited to attend our annual Greatest Ever Purim Carnival, Sunday, March 8, from Noon-3 p.m. on our athletic field. We will feature eight new rides, face painters, balloon twisters, Courts 1-on-1 Sports Center, Art and Activity Tents, lunch, snacks and beer. Tickets can be purchased in advance for kids 3-18 at www.tbam.org/purim. Walkins are welcome and adults are always free.
For more information, call membership director Rita Diaz at 786-364-9433.
