The Chabad of Winter Garden, recently brought to the community by Rabbi Mendy and Sheina Konikov, hosted a Purim celebration Tuesday, March 3.
Purim is a holiday celebrating the salvation of Jews from a mass killing in ancient Persia, modern-day Iran, as recounted by the Book of Esther, also known as the Megillah.
Hundreds of people gathered at the event to chat, celebrate the holiday, eat good food and have fun.
The theme for this year’s event was “Purim in the Stadium,” where people attended in sports costumes.
Costumes are a tradition for this holiday, signifying God being hidden, making the miracle seem almost within nature, Mendy Konikov explained.
“We don’t see God coming down from heaven and giving Ten Commandments, but we realize that it’s really God behind everything,” Mendy Konikov said. “We have to remember that if we are in a certain place, that means we’re here for a reason.”
Attendees also enjoyed breakdancers, a modern photo-booth and loads of good music.
Mendy Konikov wants the dozens of children who attended the event to know they shouldn’t be ashamed to be Jewish.
“This is who we are,” he said. “…We shouldn’t bow down to the evil forces. …We just have to show the world what it means to truly be Jewish and live in God’s ways.”