Carnival attendees celebrate Purim

More than 100 people got a jump start on their Purim festivities Sunday during a carnival at Congregation Agudas Achim.

Groups of youngsters could be seen running around the synagogue during the first Purim Carnival, which was sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Ulster County. The event featured games, food and a petting zoo.

“I went to the petting zoo and rode a pony,” 8-year-old Jordana Maidenbaum said. “I really liked getting my face painted. My favorite was when I gave my mom a candygram.”

Purim, which takes place March 13-14, celebrates the Jews’ ability to survive a plot calling for their extermination in ancient Persia.

The plot was orchestrated by Haman, who was the king’s adviser. The Jews were saved when Esther, herself a Jew and the wife of the king, told the king of the adviser’s plot against her people.

Many of the activities at Sunday’s carnival centered around the story, with games such as “Bowl over Haman” and “Pin the crown on Esther.” Children were also encouraged to dress in costumes. People who provided entertainment at the event, including professional clown Cecilia St. King and workers from the Catskill Equestrian Center, did so as volunteers.

Jacob Schroader, 7, said his favorite game was “Put it Out.” In the game, players were required to put out a lit candle using a water gun.

“It was very popular,” Schroader said. “I played it about five or six times.”

God’s influence

Yitzchok Hecht, the rabbi at Congregation Agudas Achim and Chabad Lubavitch of Ulster County, said the overarching theme of the celebration is the mysterious way in which God influences events.

“In the story, God’s name is never mentioned,” Hecht said. “At the beginning of the story, he is hidden. But his presence is shown slowly as all the levels are peeled. In the end, you realize he is directing everything that happens.”

In addition to celebrating Purim, Hecht said, the carnival’s goal was to open the doors of the synagogue to the public. His wife, Leah, hopes the event helps inform people about the synagogue’s other programs, including a summer day camp and a Hebrew school slated to open in September.

“I wanted people to have a good time on Sunday, but I also wanted them to find out a little bit more about us,” Leah Hecht said.