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Vail Jewish community is celebrating Purim

Daily Staff Report
Vail CO, Colorado

VAIL, Colorado ” The Eagle Valley Jewish Community will celebrate the Jewish holiday Purim at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The event is being produced by Chabad of Vail at Rimini Bistro located in the Arrabelle complex across from the ice skating rink in Lionshead.

“Purim is one of the most joyous of all holidays. Some people don’t know that, but we want to bring it to the forefront. Something so joyous that the holiday is for the young and old,” said Rabbi Dovid Mintz, who is co-director of Chabad Jewish Center with his wife, Doba.

It is customary to read the story of Purim, the Megillah Esther (the book of Esther), on Purim.



“We read the story of Purim, the story of Mordechai and Esther. King Ashverous of Persia and his wicked advisor Haman came out with a decree to kill the Jews. Instead of Mordechai and Queen Esther using their political connections to save the Jews, they turned to God to ask for mercy. And once they knew they had HaShem (God) on their side only then did they use the powers of Queen Esther to get the king to change his mind,” Mintz said.

The Megillah is the first interactive book in the Bible ” whenever Haman’s name is read, people make noise to drown it out, Miintz said.

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Purim celebrates the events recorded in the biblical book of Esther when the Persian Jews were victorious against the scheming of Haman. As with many Jewish Holiday’s, the quick, oft-quoted summarizing phrase is “they wanted to kill us, we survived, let’s eat!”

Along with the traditional holiday fare such as hamentoshen (three-cornered pastry) and gragers (noise makers) children and adults will indulge in gelatos and sorbettos prepared especially for the occasion by Rimini. Other desserts will include a variety of cheesecakes and a special wine tasting for adults. Following tradition, guests are encouraged to wear masks or costumes. It is traditional to wear costumes and have a masquerade because it signifies the hidden miracle of Purim, Mintz said.

Entertainment will be provided by Wayne Francis, the celebrated ventriloquist, comedian and puppeteer. There will also be a children’s arts and craft program.

Cost is $10 per person or $25 per family, or sponsor the event for $100.

For reservations and more information call 476-7887 or e-mail info@jewishvail.com.


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