Port Chester Congregation Gears Up For Festive Holiday of Purim

Purim has its roots in antiquity, marking the deliverance of the Jewish people from biblical bad-guy Haman.

The story involves intrigue in the court of a Persian king, an evil plot by the antagonist, and the bravery of a young woman named Esther, who risked death to speak out on behalf of her people and reveal Haman's plot to her king.

But it's not just a compelling narrative that brings kids and adults alike to the synagogue — it's the levity, the songs and the costumes.

"Traditionally, it's a fun, silly holiday where everyone is supposed to have a good time," said Cantor Alexis Sklar of Congregation Kneses Tifereth Israel in Port Chester.

Members of the Kneses Tifereth Israel will gather tonight to mark the holiday with a traditional reading from the Scroll of Esther. Sklar will lead the congregation in song, while children perform skits to re-enact key parts of the narrative.

Each time Haman's name is mentioned, members of the congregation will shake gragers — noisemakers — in unison, Sklar said.

Purim differs from other Jewish holidays in more ways than its festive atmosphere:

"The book of Esther is unusual in that it is the only book of the Bible that does not contain the name of God. In fact, it includes virtually no reference to God. Mordecai makes a vague reference to the fact that the Jews will be saved by someone else, if not by Esther, but that is the closest the book comes to mentioning God. Thus, one important message that can be gained from the story is that God often works in ways that are not apparent, in ways that appear to be chance, coincidence or ordinary good luck."

At , leaders will also highlight "the message of treating others with respect and care," Sklar said. Congregants are encouraged to bring boxes of pasta and dried beans — some will be used to make gragers, and the rest will be donated to local soup kitchens.

Tonight's festivities will be capped off with a costume parade, ice cream and a study session with Rabbi Jaymee Alpert.

"We're a welcoming, progressive congregation," Sklar said. "We cater to people of all ages, we have an egalitarian approach to conservative Judaism, and we always have lots of stuff going on."

Visit Kneses Tifereth Israel's website to learn more.

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