YEREVAN, Armenia –In the Armenian capital of Yerevan, local Jews felt the joy of this holiday, leaving behind their personal problems and gathering at the ‘Mordechai Navi’ Jewish Community Center for a good party.
Plenty of rattles for use during the reading of the ‘Megilat Esther’ were waiting for participants in this Purim festivity. On the eve of the holiday, Chief Rabbi of Armenia Gersh Meir Burshtein read out this exciting story, which happened many years ago in the Persian Empire. The kids did their best to make as much noise as possible, which was heard even outside the JCC.
After reading the ‘Megilat Esther’, the organizers had prepared a wonderful kosher feast for everybody, featuring the traditional food of Purim, with homentaschen and wine.
For homebound Jews, who are either sick or else frail and elderly, community workers brought the merriment of Purim right to their homes, by paying home visits and bringing them ‘mishloach manot’ – traditional Purim treats.
A separate Purim festivity for children also occurred. Held in a local café, the youngsters enjoyed a delicious kosher meal and a lively Purimspiel. These youngest community members wore carnival masks and costumes, playing the characters of the Purim story. Following this, Rabbi Burshtein announced a contest for the best Jewish dance, which involved both children and their parents, the winners taking home various prizes. As the party wrapped up and community members headed home, they took with them the joy of being part of the amazing history of the Jewish people.
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