Purim Celebrated Under the Sea in Sumy

Continuing their yearly tradition, the Shluchim in Sumy, Ukraine, Rabbi Yechiel and Rochi Levitansky, transformed the Shul building for the Purim seuda – this time into an ‘under the sea.’ In an uplifting atmosphere, 150 men, women and children participated and fulfilled the four Mitzvos of Purim.

As the guests entered the Shul building, they were immediately washed into the Purim excitement by walking through an incredible under ocean 3D scene. Everyone stopped to pose for pictures as the dazzling decorations felt so real. The incredible scenery were made by the Or Avner after-school program. Before going up the stairs to the Seuda, the dressed up Yaldei Hashluchim greeted everyone and helped them wash for Hamotzi and make the Brochos, in a stranded boat.

Every under ocean participant donned the goggles they received, as they got comfortable in their seats. The program began with Mishloach Manos treasure chests, which they exchanged with each other. Each table had two fish aquarium Pushkas which were used for Matonos L’evyonim.

The entertainer, dressed as a captain, explained how Purim is connected to the theme of Alma D’iskasya, ‘the hidden world,’ and warned the crowd to be ready for many hidden surprises throughout the evening.

For starters they had to guess why the captain’s name was Yachedrom, and after someone guessed correctly – that it is Mordechai spelled backwards – they broke out in laughter when Rabbi Levitansky entered to read the Megilah dressed in full scuba diving gear!

The program included Interactive games, a bubble show that wowed even the adults, song and dance by the Ohr Avner kindergarten, a comedy skit by the students of the daily Kolel Torah, songs and dances by the scuba diver shluchim kinderlach, all in all creating an unforgettable evening that the community claims “the likes of they have never seen before!” Since Ukrainians love fish, the menu from Sushi to fish soup, whole fish stuffed with Gefilte filling to Caviar, salmon salad to mini smoked individual fish – fit their pallet perfectly, creating a true Purim feast and making clean up a breeze with absolutely no left overs!

2 Comments

  • Shoshana

    Love the “oyster” cookies with the pearl inside! So creative and thoughtful. And the megilla reader in full scuba gear down to the fins! Couldn’t have been easy to walk around in but it’s inspiring to see shluchim going all out to bring joy to yidden in all corners of the earth.