The Sid Jacobson JCC hosted its annual Family Purim Celebration on Sunday, March 8, as hundreds of people marked the Jewish holiday in decorative costumes.
The event, held at the JCC in East Hills, featured a wide range of kids’ activities, including a bouncy house, blow-up sports games, an obstacle course, and stations for kids of all ages to enjoy themselves. It also had a live DJ, a photo station and a costume contest to coincide with the theme of Purim.
People dress up for Purim as it commemorates the “hidden miracle” of the story of Queen Esther, who concealed her Jewish identity before standing up for the Jewish people, according to the Jewish faith.
Lauren Chizner, the JCC’s director of Jewish life and learning, said that much of Jewish life is about struggle but Purim is about celebration.
“It’s a holiday of Jewish pride,” she said, while dressed in a taco suit to celebrate the holiday
Chizner said she loved seeing the crowds of families celebrating Purim.
To be able to join together and share Jewish pride and celebrate this holiday together in fun and just let loose and be proud of who we are as Jews. It brings me joy,” she said.
Families also participated in the making of hamentashen, triangular, filled pastries commonly connected with the holiday.
