A Very Shushan Situation

This year’s Purim celebration at IJC was exceptional in many ways. Thanks to the enthusiasm and volunteer spirit of many IJC members, our community was treated to a celebration of mega proportions. The initiative came from Monica and Pierre who worked with our events coordinator Peter D to create a varied programme with something for everyone, but with a focus on the kids. Many hours of preparation, clocked up largely by Peter D, Pierre and Monica in the weeks and days prior to the event and on the day itself, made this wonderful event possible.

We dimmed the lights and gathered around the Havdalah candle as we said farewell to Shabbat. We then turned to reading the Megillah of Esther, which quickly segued into a  Purim spiel – A Very Shushan Situation – as the cast assembled in costume and high spirits for the first (yes, there was an encore) performance. Stars of the show were, of course, Steve – aka King Ahasueros, David S – aka Mordechai, Emily & Nezka (encore) – aka Esther, and of course Evan – the wickedest Haman ever. Smaller parts were brilliantly performed by Iryna, Kataryna, Sophia, Dora, Pierre and Ari.

Dominique had opened her grogger-making station early to allow the kids to join the spiel with their home-made noise makers, which they used to spectacular effect at every mention of the name of Haman and every word he ‘tried’ to say. Other stations included painting and colouring (thanks to Agneszka), Mishloach Manot (thanks to Monica & Carla), delicious mocktails (thanks to Iryna and Katerina), sturdy cocktails (thanks to Nigel and Patricia), tasty sandwiches (catered) fabulous chestnut and mushroom soup (thanks to Peter D) and delectable deserts (thanks to Peter D, Matt & Semih, Sarah S. & Pierre).

Adding to the fun was the Bouncy Castle in the yard (thanks to Pierre – and thanks to the weather gods) which was clearly a main attraction for the kids.

But perhaps the highlight of the evening was its concluding hour, as we dimmed the lights once again, spun the disco ball and took to the dancefloor to Golan’s Chassidic disco beats.

This was the first time – ever – I had attended a Purim party in costume (a subconscious nod to Paddy’s day in a shamrock two-piece suit and leprechaun hat) and I was not alone. As you can see from the selection of photos many made the effort, and it brought a smile to everyone’s face. Pierre is working on a photo/video collage of the event to be shared with the community later.

None of this would have been possible without our generous volunteers, those who signed up and those who spotted something that needed done and lent a hand. But thanks in the first place go to Monica and Pierre. You made this year’s Purim celebration a huge success. Toda Raba!

Rabbi Brian