NY Islanders Celebrated the Holiday of Purim

PORT WASHINGTON, NY [CHI] — The New York Islanders professional hockey team extended an invitation to Rabbi Shalom Paltiel, director of Chabad of Port Washington, to come to the Nassau Coliseum for their March 18 game yesterday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. According to Paltiel, it was an incredible, unprecedented opportunity to “share a captivating Purim message with the fans” two days before the holiday.

More pictures and a video in the Extended Article!

Rabbi Paltiel’s message reflected the story of Purim which will be read at synagogues across the globe Thursday evening and Friday morning, March 20-21. While away from home, the struggling “Persian Exiles” had a major faceoff with offensive lead, Haman of the “Amalek Snakes.” Things looked good for the Exiles as the head coach, G-d, had already led the team to many victories against the Phantom Philistines, and the Greek Grapes. But, Achashverosh, the goalie, was letting too many of Haman’s power play goals go by. His rookie defense, Queen Esther, was recently called in from the minors and was a key assist. In overtime, scorer Mordechai pulled through with a winning goal as the referee called a penalty on the Snakes for interference. They faced the ultimate high sticking while the Exiles won the playoffs to become the champions.

The Exiles remember this great day with a keepsake megillah, hamantashen – not available at the concession stands, and noisemaking graggar souvenirs. And fans at the coliseum got a foretaste and some food for thought on the festive Jewish holiday as they watched the Rabbi and a team of children in holiday spirit & gear on-screen. Graggars in hand, the children made lots of noise following the Rabbi’s message: “…The miracle of Purim is celebrated with tremendous joy and festivity. It teaches a very basic but critical message: Celebrate life! That’s right – celebrate every day of life. Enjoy it! Fill each day with joy and optimism, because life’s a gift! An optimistic attitude towards life is a sign of strong faith in the Creator of life. And a positive attitude becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Try it – you’ll see miraculous results in YOUR life…” The Rabbi concluded by reminding the fans to celebrate Purim on Thursday night and Friday and wished them all a very Happy Purim.

As Rabbi Paltiel— sporting his #18 “RABBI” Jersey — made his rounds through the coliseum, numerous fans, from all ethnicities, stopped him to take pictures and salute him for the wonderful message. Introducing himself as ‘not a member of the Jewish tribe’, one inspired fan commended the Rabbi and said “Your message was uplifting and meaningful to people of all races and religions – we all need to be reminded now and then to cherish the life we have and I personally thank you for bringing this ever-important message to Coliseum tonight.”