Jewish community gathers to celebrate miracle of Purim

Venice, FL — The nature of God might occasionally be hidden, but the enjoyment of members of the Jewish community was obvious at a celebration of Purim held Sunday evening by the Chabad of Venice and North Port.

They danced, they made noise with their groggers and they ate good food. And some of them were dressed as if playing a part in “Fiddler in the Roof.”

Angelo Davis, 15, was dressed as Motel Kamzoil, the tailor, and his sister, Hava Davis, 4, was dressed as Chava, one of Tevya’s daughters. Abby Davis looked like Teyva’s wife, Golda, as she minded the food in “Tevya’s Tavern.”

There were other, non-“Fiddler” costumed characters: just 18 months old, baby Simcha Davis was playing King Ahashverus and Lila Davis, 8, was Queen Esther, the most important role for Purim.

The holiday celebrates the miracle that spared the Jewish people from extinction, as detailed in the Torah’s Book of Esther.

The evil Haman had persuaded the King of Persia to annihilate the Jews. But the King had married Esther, who had kept her Judaism secret. Her confession and intervention saved the race and led to Haman’s demise.

Cheryl Greenlow, 21/2, had on a Snow White costume, left over from Halloween. Her family told her she was Queen Esther, also.