The Jewish community of Bellmore-Merrick came together to celebrate at the annual Mel Polay Purim Carnival on March 1.
Founded by Evelyn Polay, a member of Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore, in memory of her late husband, Mel, and has become a longstanding tradition in the community. Attendees enjoyed classic carnival games, including ring toss and basketball throw, as well as numerous other activities. Children collected prizes, savored sweet treats, and posed for photos with family members at a dedicated photo booth.
Purim commemorates the Jewish people’s salvation from Haman, a high-ranking official in the First Persian Empire who plotted to kill all Jewish residents of Persia. Queen Esther, the Jewish wife of King Xerxes, and her cousin Mordecai are celebrated as the heroes who helped prevent the massacre. Today, the holiday is marked by reading the Book of Esther, or the Megillah, and observing five mitzvot, or commandments.
