Purim Celebrations in South Brunswick this Weekend

The Jewish holiday of Purim will be celebrated this weekend as Chabad and its branches in Central New Jersey are gearing up for a record number of events and participants this year.  There are two events lined up for Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the holiday in South Brunswick.

"We celebrate the holiday of Purim by reading the Megillah, having a festive meal, the children dress up in various costumes and we give gifts of food to one another," said Rabbi Mendy Carlebach of Chabad of North and South Brunswick.  "It's one of the most festive holidays in the Jewish calendar."

This weekend's events will offer residents a chance to gather with friends, enjoy good food and to have fun with the entire family, said Rabbi Levi Azimov of Chabad Jewish Center of South Brunswick.

"The holiday celebrates a riveting yet true epic of palace intrigue in ancient Persia which almost resulted in the annihilation of the Jews during the reign of King Achashverosh," he said.  "The Jews not only survived but triumphed because of their active unity and unshakable commitments to their identity as a practicing Jewish community."

The celebration in South Brunswick will kick off Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Chabad House, located at 4100 Route 27 in South Brunswick.  The event will include a Megillah reading, Purim masquerade, lively music and themed food.  Admission is free to the event.

"We eat a lot of sweets during Purim because sweets symbolize happiness, which is why we give gifts of food," Rabbi Carlebach said.  "We also give money to the poor during the holiday, because we want everyone to enjoy it.  So for those not fortunate enough to enjoy it, it's our obligation to help them too."

Sunday morning Rabbi Carlebach will again be reading the Megillah at 9 a.m. at the Chabad House and again at 4 p.m.  Between readings, he will be heading to local prisons to conduct at Megillah reading.

"As prison chaplain my obligations are to make sure that religious needs are met," he said.  "Going to a prison certainly isn't your traditional Purim family activity, but it's my job to bring a little cheer to a place you wouldn't find it otherwise."

Chabad Jewish Center of South Brunswick will present their annual Purim celebration at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Pierre’s Ballroom, located at 582 Georges Road in Monmouth Junction.  Entry is $15 for adults and $5 for children.

This year's theme is Purim Italiano, featuring a Megillah reading with a simultaneous slide show. There will also be a masquerade contest, a Purim Italian buffet including hamantashen, cotton candy, and many other treats. The celebration will also include an exotic bird show, olive oil making, stained glass art and lots of games at the Venetian Carnevale.

"Every year we go to another part of the world and another country to choose our theme for the celebration," Rabbi Azimov said.  "A lot of people come out for this and it's fun for adults, children and the entire family.  People have a chance to eat, drink and dance.  There's also a bird show and it's just a lot of fun."

For more information and reservations log on to www.chabadsouthbrunswick.com or contact Rabbi Azimov at 732-398-9492 or e-mail rabbi@chabadsouthbrunswick.com

"If people didn't manage to make a reservation they're still welcome to attend," Azimov said.  "We have an open door policy and never turn anybody away.  The more, the merrier."