Purim was celebrated on Poklonnaya Hill – Kommersant

On the evening of March 20, the Russian Jewish Congress (RJC) held a charity reception in honor of the holiday of Purim. Guests were invited to the synagogue on Poklonnaya Hill to celebrate the most joyful Jewish holiday.

“Purim, like many dates in the Jewish calendar, is celebrated in honor of a historical event,” RJC official representative Mikhail Savin told a Kommersant correspondent. — In the 4th century BC. Jews living in the Persian Empire miraculously escaped death: the courtier Haman, the second person in the empire, persuaded King Artaxerxes (Xerxes I) to exterminate the Jewish people. The Jews were saved thanks to the sage Mordechai and his niece Queen Esther, the wife of King Artaxerxes, who managed to convince her husband.” Since then, according to Mr. Savin, on Purim, a religious Jew is ordered to get so drunk that he cannot distinguish the words “Curse be Haman” from the words “Blessed be Mordechai.”

The organizers of the evening explained to a Kommersant correspondent that “fun and carnival are considered a mandatory rule of the holiday.” “But it is even more important, according to the Torah, to send gifts to each other and alms to the poor on Purim,” said Mr. Savin. “Therefore, the evening is charitable: admission is by invitation, which could be received in exchange for a donation.” According to him, all funds raised will be used for children’s Jewish educational programs. The chief rabbi of Russia Adolf Shaevich, director Mark Rozovsky, Moscow City Duma deputy Evgeny Bunimovich, poet Vladimir Vishnevsky, lawyer Henry Reznik, co-founder of Alfa Group German Khan, writer Alla Gerber, executive director of REC Anna Bokshitskaya and other.

“The word “Purim” comes from the ancient Persian “pur”, lot,” the acting acting director said, addressing the guests. RJC President Mikhail Broitman. “I wish that we all have a lucky lot.” Jewish history teaches that we must always remain human, show wisdom and perseverance, and fulfill our destiny before God. This is how it was in ancient Persia, and this is how it happened to us many times at different times. This is how it will always be. I wish you all the best, close people nearby, joy and fun. Since we are commanded to have fun on this holiday, let’s fulfill this commandment.”

The main event of the evening was Purimshpil – a theatrical performance on the history of the holiday. This year, REC invited the artistic director of the Shalom Theater Oleg Lipovetsky and screenwriter Vadim Zhuk to the production. The director of the play was Alexander Zolotovitsky. The evening program also included a performance by musicians from the Tiffany music project group and a buffet reception. Guests were treated to traditional Purim sweets – “Haman’s ears” pies, as well as wine, vodka and a “drunk sorbet” dish. The “Tent of Masters and Sages” from the “Pajama Library” project was open for children throughout the evening. The children were given master classes and a photo shoot in carnival costumes.

Pavel Korobov