Purim Around the World: Riverdale, NY

Close to 50 members of the Riverdale Jewish community, dressed up Israeli-style, enjoyed delicious Israeli falafel and shwarma and freshly squeezed orange juice against the backdrop of the Kotel at this year’s Purim celebration at Chabad.

“Purim in The Holy Land” was Chabad of Riverdale’s creative twist to this year’s community celebration of Purim.

Guests also wrote meaningful cards to IDF soldiers that will be distributed by Chayal El Chayal, which provides a warm and welcoming family of support for the young Jewish men and women from around the world who come to Israel with the specific goal of serving in the IDF, risking their own lives to protect the lives of the Jewish nation.

“This year’s theme of Purim in the Holy Land was particularly meaningful,” said Rabbi Levi Y. Shemtov of Chabad of Riverdale. “Israel is a country always on our hearts and mind, and Purim in the Holy Land brought the Jewish homeland experience to Riverdale.”

In addition, the Purim celebrations included a magic show by Michael Kirschner, a Purim Puppet Theater and a Chabad Early Learning Center Carnival.