Chabad celebrates Purim in royal fashion

Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh transformed the Merrick Park golf clubhouse into a palace of sorts last weekend, when the Jewish organization hosted its eighth annual Purim celebration.

Chabad sponsored “Purim in the Palace,” a royal-themed party commemorating the Jewish holiday, on March 16.

Purim commemorates the escape of the Jewish people from annihilation by the ancient Persian empire, and is celebrated with the exchange of food packages between friends, charitable giving, a traditional festive meal and the reading the story of Purim from the Megillah, or Purim scroll, said Chanie Kramer, Chabad’s program director. Dressing in costumes is also an age-old part of the holiday.

At the celebration, Rabbi Shimon Kramer dressed as King Achashversoh, the one-time king of Persia. "We focus on doing interesting and innovative holiday programs while still keeping with the holiday theme,” the rabbi said before event. "This party will combine ancient Jewish traditions with a royal twist.”

The festivities began with the reading of the Megillah at 4:30 p.m., followed by a kosher feast. After their meal, children dressed in colorful costumes and moved around the room to a variety of crafts and games stations.