Purim at Chabad of Melbourne CBD the 11th Year

MELBOURNE [CHI] — The largest Purim celebration in Melbourne took place at Chabad CBD, with hundreds of business men and women in attendance.  The Mayor and government Politicians joined in the celebration.


The event began with a mass mivtzah tefillin by the Tmimim of Machon Smicha, afterwards Shliach Rabbi Chaim Herzog officially opened the celebration with inyonei d’yoma, stressing that the megillah is timely for all generations including ours and we must stand proud in our Yiddishkeit as Mordechai and Esther did in their time.

The multi-cultural Minister assisting the Prime Minister the Honorable James Merlino representing the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd told the assembled that the Victorian Government is proud to host this Purimp party, and announced that a new budget allowance for all religions inculuding Jewish was just passed. He commented on the shofar blowing at the Memorial ffor the bushfire victims had made a great impression on all.

The Honourable Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle thanked Rabbi Herzog for organizing the Holiday events, throughout the year, Purim at the Melbourne Town Hall, Succos in the Melbourne City Square, and Chanukah at Parliament House, etc. And hopes that he will be invited to future celebrations. He amused the audience
With a few Jewish jokes.

The megillah was then read and the proceedings were concluded with a catered buffet seudah and live music