Beth Israel was filled with festive fun for Purim on Sunday, March 5. Generations of families and guests of all ages gathered for an afternoon of activities, a special dinner, and the “Magical Megillah Tour” Beatles-themed Purim Spiel and service with Rabbi Michael L. Feshbach, visiting Cantor Rhoda Harrison and a cast of congregants.
Children in costume decorated masks and crowns, and played carnival games. Families baked Hamentashen, the traditional 3-cornered cookie for the holiday. Teens enjoyed a Purim-themed escape room. The gathering also featured a pasta dinner with Hamentashen for dessert.
Congregants made Hamentashen as part of the Purim festivities.
The Beatles-themed Purim service, Schpiel, and Megillah reading were the highlight of the evening and featured artfully altered lyrics of the Beatles. “Yesterday” became “Esther’s Day,” “Eleanor Rigby” was transformed into “All the Jewish People,” and “Let It Be” became “Don’t Let It Be.” Cantor Harrison chanted from a Megillah that was a family heirloom for the Fischer family, members of Beth Israel. It had been handwritten circa 1900 in Poland by Norman Fischer’s great grandfather, who was a scribe.
Purim is the Spring Jewish holiday based on the Biblical book of Esther, with its story of escape from planned persecution and slaughter. Despite the serious subject, the holiday is celebrated in joy and comedy, often retelling the story.
