Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim With Worship Service, Holiday Fun Performing "Will The Shusan Island Chiefs Win The Super Bowl" Purimschpiel Play, Singing, Dancing And Delicious Hamantaschen Fruit Pastry

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Thursday evening. According to Ms. Falk:

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Presented Will the Shushan Island Chiefs Win the Super Bowl?

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Thursday night, March 13, with more than 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

The evening began with a pizza and salad dinner, organized by Nina Lublin, Michal Melamed, Amber Seligson Levanon, Laurie Stull and Annica Stull-Lane. Cantor Sarah Myerson led the worship service. It included the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. She was assisted by multiple readers in Hebrew, English, Spanish and Hungarian: Keren Bachi, Susan Berks-Seligson, Ben Fhala, Dvir Koenigstein, Gad Levanon, Anna Levenstein, Michal Melamed, Laura Palermo, Charlie Schwartz, Eden Shaveet and Uri Shusterman.

The reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding graggers to blot out the recitation of Haman, the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. Led by Cantor Myerson playing the ukelele, the congregation joined in singing songs in Hebrew, English, Yiddish and Ladino about the holiday.

The evening included a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk, Will the Shushan Island Chiefs Win the Super Bowl? drew inspiration from contemporary themes of professional football, Artificial Intelligence and Taylor Swift. It also wove aspects of the current political scene and references to Roosevelt Island.

The cast featured Janet Falk, Michal Melamed, Mickey Rindler, Charlie Schwartz and Annica Stull-Lane as well as children of the RIJC Hebrew School and community.

The audience joined in singing new lyrics to songs by Taylor Swift, I Knew You Were Trouble and Shake It Off. The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who applauded enthusiastically.

The evening concluded with refreshments and delicious Hamantaschen , a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, donated by the Levanon-Seligson family, which has become an annual tradition.

Mishloach Manot holiday gifts were prepared and donated by RIJC friends and neighbors.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or email RIJC President Nina Lublin at ninalublin1@gmail.com. The next Shabbat worship service is Friday, March 28 at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street.

Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Invite You To Celebrate Purim In The Shtetl Friday March 14, Megillah Reading, Delicious Shabbos Dinner & Come In Costume

The Chabad of Roosevelt Island invite you celebrate: 

Purim in the Shtetl

Friday March 14

6:00 PM Megillah Reading followed by Dinner

Candle Lighting Time 6:44 PM

Heimishe Delicious Shabbos Dinner

Enjoy l'Chaims

Come In Shtetl Costumes 

Please RSVP here.

Here's the story of Purim from Mayim Bialik.

and in song from the Maccabeats.

More info about the Purim holiday here and about the Chabad of Roosevelt Island at their website.

Happy Purim

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim With Worship Service, Holiday Fun Performing Maestra Esther Heimer Purimschpiel Play & Delicious Home Made Hamantaschen Fruit Pastry

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Saturday evening. According to Ms. Falk:

Maestra Esther Heimer: A Purim Celebration on Roosevelt Island

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Saturday evening, March 23, with about 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

Following a pizza dinner, Amber Levanon Seligson led the evening worship service. 

Then, Rabbi Laurie Gold, dressed as a pirate, led the reading of the megillah, or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. Ably assisted by Gad Levanon, Michal Melamed and Dvir Koenigstein, her reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man, Haman, who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews.

Interspersed among the sections telling the Purim story was a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative. Written by Mickey Rindler and Janet Falk, Maestra Esther Heimer combined the narratives of three summer blockbuster movies: Barbie, Maestro and Oppenheimer.

The audience was invited to join in a song to a very familiar melody, here called Sweet Esther Stein, as Queen Esther gathered her courage to petition the King and secure the safety of the Jews. The cast featured Emily Kalb, Michal Melamed, Scott Piro, Mickey Rindler and Charlie Schwartz, plus teen members of the congregation, Tamar & Lucia,

The Purimschpiel's broad humor, plus references to past & current Roosevelt Island affairs, drew much laughter, groans and many cheers from the audience. This was the latest and most successful Purimsphiel from our great Team of Rindler & Falk, who have been writing them for many years.

The evening concluded with delicious home-made Hamantaschen, a traditional fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family. 

Mishloach Manot holiday gifts were prepared and donated by RIJC friends and neighbors.

The RIJC is the oldest, longest-serving, welcoming Jewish organization on the Island. For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, please visit our website or email Nina Lublin, RIJC President, at ninalublin1@gmail.com.

Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Invite You To Celebrate Purim At King Meets Queen, You Are Summoned To Our Castle, Come Adorned As Your Favorite Chess Piece, Purim Character Or Fusion Of Both

The Chabad of Roosevelt Island invite you celebrate Purim at King Meets Queen:

According to the Chabad Of Roosevelt Island:

A Royal Purim Chess Party

Sunday March 24 At The Castle Rooftop (425 Main Street).

You are summoned to our Castle for a Purim Celebration that Promises to be a Knight to Remember. Come adorned as your favorite Chess Piece, Purim Character or a Fusion of Both.

Feast on a spread fit for Royalty with Hamantaschen that will have you Pawn-Ding for more.

RSVP to Nechama@jewish.org

Here's the story of Purim from Mayim Bialik

and in song from the Maccabeats.

Roosevelt Island's Mediterranean Eatery has some Hamantaschen for you too.

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Happy Purim.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim with Worship Services Led By Rabbi Joel Dressed As Jewish Spy Balloon and Purimschpiel Play Knives Out:The Glass Octagon With Sherlock Shaloms

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Monday evening. According to Ms. Falk:

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Monday night, March 6, with more than 30 people participating in a full evening of worship and Purim celebration, both in person and online.

Rabbi Joel Shaiman, dressed as a Jewish spy balloon, 

Image From Scott Piro

led the worship service and the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll. The holiday marks the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. The other readers were Keren Bachi, Uri Shusterman and Michal Melamed. 

The reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding noise-making groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man, Haman, who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews.

The service alternated with scenes from a Purimschpiel, or play, based on this narrative, written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk: Knives Out: The Glass Octagon.

The murder mystery cast featured King Bidensuerus (Charles Schwartz), Haman (Mickey Rindler), Mordechai (Michal Melamed), Queen Vashti (Janet Falk), Queen Esther (Tamar) and Zeresh (Lucia). The detectives investigating the murder were Sherlock Shaloms (Mickey Rindler) and Yonatan Ben Mah/John Watson (Gabriela). 

Image From Amber Seligson-Levanon

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus sharp references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who used their groggers and applauded enthusiastically.

The evening concluded with delicious Hamantaschen, 

Image By Scott Piro

a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, donated, as in the past several years, by the Seligson-Levanon family.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active and egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or send an email to information@rijc.org.

The next in-person Shabbat service is Friday, March 24th, at 7:00 pm, in the Cultural Center, and also available on Zoom. The Zoom link is at RIJC.org on the Coming Up page, listed as Friday Night Programs.

Stay tuned for specific details for the Spring Learning Series, led by Rabbi Joel Shaiman, as well as April, May and June Shabbat services, Passover plans and Shavuot celebration. Be sure to check our website at RIJC.org or email us at information@rijc.org.

Celebrate Purim Holiday Today With The Chabad Of Roosevelt Island, International Buffet Dinner, Multimedia Megillah Reading, Prizes For All In Costume And Activities For All Ages - Maccabeats A Cappella Singing Group Tell The Purim Story In Song Too

The Chabad of Roosevelt Island invite you to Celebrate International Hakhel Purim later today, March 7. According to the Chabad Of Roosevelt Island,  the celebration will include:

• International Buffet Dinner,
• Multimedia Megillah reading,
• Prizes for all in costume,
• Activities for all ages.
  

Please RSVP nechama@rijewish.org

The Maccabeats singing group celebrate and explain the Purim Holiday.

 

and take us on a behind the scenes look at the filming of the Purim video.

 

More info on the Chabad of Roosevelt Island at their web site.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim Holiday With Worship Service Followed By The Marvelous Mrs. Esther Maisel Purimschpiel Play - Watch The New Maccabeats Purim Video Too

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Wednesday. According to Ms. Falk: 

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Wednesday night, March 16, with more than 40 people participating in a full evening of worship and Purim celebration both in person and online. 

Image Of Haman And Queen Eggster by Ken & Peggy Organes

Rabbi Joel Shaiman, 

Photo By Harriet Shaiman

 

dressed in a green plaid kilt and tam o’ shanter in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, led the worship service and the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll. The holiday marks the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. The other readers were Keren Bachi, Uri Shusterman, Rachel Rekhter, Michal Melamed and Ben Fhala. The reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding noise-making groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. The congregation joined in singing prayers to the melodies of familiar Irish songs.

The service alternated with scenes from a Purimschpiel, or play, based on this narrative. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk, The Marvelous Mrs. Esther Maisel transported the characters from the television show (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) to the Shushkills (formerly known as the Catskills) where there is a lively comedy club scene. The cast featured King Adamsuerus (Tamar), Haman (Mickey Rindler), Mordechai (Charles Schwartz), Queen Vashti (Beth Asher), Esther Maisel (Emily Kalb) and Aunt Rose (Michal Melamed).  

Other cast members included sisters Lucia and Gabriella, children of our RIJC community. 

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who used their groggers and applauded enthusiastically. 

The evening concluded with delicious Hamantaschen, a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, baked by Tamar, which has become an annual tradition. 

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active and egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or send an email to information@rijc.org.  

The next Shabbat worship services are on Friday, March 25 at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street. Attendees should RSVP to ninalublin1@gmail.com and must be fully vaccinated. Masks are optional. The services will be broadcast on Zoom; the Zoom link is at RIJC.org on the Coming Up page, listed as Friday Night Programs. 

Our Spring Learning series, led by Rabbi Joel, will focus on various aspects of Social Justice, will start up the week of Tuesday April 5, with dates, times and Zoom link to be announced. Shabbat services, holidays and other activities in April, May and June will be posted and sent out soon. 

More info on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation at their web site.

The Maccabeats singing group celebrate and explain the Purim Holiday too.

Celebrate Queen Esther's Gambit With Fun, Parody, Prayer, Song And Costume Party At Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation's Virtual Zoom Purim Celebration Thursday February 25 - Have Some Hamentachen Too

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) President Nina Lublin reports:

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim!! 

The RIJC is the oldest, longest-serving active egalitarian congregation on RI, engaging the community for more than 40 years. We are multi-generational, welcoming, & responsive to our unique Island population. The Coronavirus Pandemic has not slowed us down, and since last March 20th, we have continued to celebrate Shabbats, the High Holidays, festivals & more holidays, child & family activities, many life-cycle events and more, virtually, via Zoom. 

That spirit of service continues this Thursday, February 25 at 6:00 pm, with our annual, grand celebration of Purim, led by our Rabbi, Joel Shaiman. Via Zoom, we will celebrate the holiday of Queen Esther with fun & parody, prayer and song, a costume parade, making Hamentashen, and a great new Purim play written, produced, directed, & starring our members & friends. 

Last Purim, March 9th, 2020, was the last time 40 of us were together, in person, in our Sanctuary. 

We look forward to the time we will all be together in person again. In the meantime, come celebrate this great holiday with the RIJC, your friends & family. 

All the details are at our website, RIJC.org — please visit us. We hope you will join us for the whole evening of celebration.

PURIM 2021 (5781) is here! 

Please join the RIJC this Thursday evening, February 25 as we celebrate the holiday!  

6 pm — Join World-famous Pastry Chef Harriet Shaiman to complete your hamentaschen! (Prepare the dough earlier, and take it out of the refrigerator by 5:30 pm. Click here for recipe) 

6:45 pm — Pre-service get-together (as your hamentaschen are baking). 

7:00 pm — Costume parade on Zoom… Kids and grown-ups alike! 

7:10 pm — Evening Services Begin 7:20 pm — Megillah Reading and Purim Shpiel: Presented by the RIJC Purim Players - written, produced and starring the dynamic team of Mickey Rindler and Janet Falk. 

Immediately followed by much singing of songs, schmoozing and noshing… 

ZOOM link information: 

Topic: RIJC Purim Festivities 

Time: Feb 25, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89849518690 

Meeting ID: 898 4951 8690 

Passcode: 055120

Some scenes from 2018 RIJC Purim Celebrations.

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A post shared by ScottyP (@scottpiro)

And the Maccabeats tell the story of Purim and Queen Esther.

Click here for more info on RIJC.

Celebrate Purim In Space With Chabad Of Roosevelt Island, Lift Off Tuesday March 10 - Multi Media Megillah Reading, Space Cuisine, Music, Ha Moontashen & Out Of This World Entertainment With Vinny Voltage

The Chabad of Roosevelt Island invite you to Celebrate Purim Outer Space on Tuesday, March 10 with Lift Off 6:00 PM at 425 Main Street Rooftop Party Room. According to the Chabad Of Roosevelt Island, the Purim Outer Space celebration will include:

• Multi-Media Megillah Reading,
• Space Cusine,
• Music,
• Ha-Moontashen and
• Out Out This World Entertainment With Vinny Voltage

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim and Performs The Trial of the Millennium Purimschpiel

Janet Falk reports on the annual Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration held last Wednesday. According to Ms. Falk;

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Presented The Trial of the Millennium for Purim

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC)

on Wednesday night, March 20, with more than 60 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

After a pizza dinner, Rabbi Joel Shaiman, dressed as Freddy Mercury,

led the worship service. It included the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. Assisted by Keren Bachi, Gad Levanon, Anna Levenstein, Michal Melamed and Rachel Rekhter, the reading was interrupted by children

and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. The congregation joined in singing prayers to music from Queen and Lady Gaga.

The service alternated with scenes from a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk, The Trial of the Millennium presented a courtroom drama in which witnesses pointed out the misdeeds of the villain Haman, who rebutted with his own interpretation. The cast featured King (and Chief Justice) Ahasuerus (Tsoni Peled),

Haman (Mickey Rindler),

Mordechai (Scott Piro),

Queen Vashti (Janet Falk),

Zeresh (Michal Melamed) and Esther (Emily Kalb).

Other cast members included children of the RIJC Religious School and Island community.

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who applauded enthusiastically.

The evening concluded with refreshments and delicious Hamantaschen , a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family, which has become an annual tradition.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or call 212-688-0003.

The next Shabbat family Pot Luck Dinner is Friday, April 12 at 6:00 pm at a neighbor’s home, followed by worship services at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street.

The Spring Learning series, Fake News?: Scripture, Midrash, Story and History in Our Observances of Purim, Passover and Shavuot, with Rabbi Joel Shaiman, will begin on Monday, April 15 at 7:30 pm.

More info on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation at their web site.

Celebrate Purim At The Bake Shop With Chabad Of Roosevelt Island - You Donut Want To Miss This!

The Chabad of Roosevelt Island invite you to Celebrate Purim at The Bake Shop on Thursday, March 21:

Don't Be Flaky And Rise To The Occasion. Join Chabad Of Roosevelt Island For The Annual Purim Celebration. Purim at the Bake Shop. Whisking You A Happy Purim. You Donut Want To Miss This!

Please RSVP here.

Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Duchman add:

Let the joy begin! Purim is a fun and exciting Yom Tov with a lot focused around children, however, Esther and Mordechai, the heroes of the story, personally requested that we celebrate the victory in four specific ways (not multiple choice but all of the below). Therefore....

Tomorrow, Wednesday night (3.20.19), hear the Megillah - read from a scroll in its original text (we will be reading the Megillah at 8:00pm - 425 Main Street #6A)

Thursday (3.21.19), in between sunrise (6:58am) and sunset (7:09pm), make sure to do the following:

1. Mishloach Manot - send two ready-to-eat food items to another Jewish person (this is to enhance camaraderie within the celebration of Purim, not gifts to the poor, it can be something as simple as an apple and orange).

2. Matanot La'evyonim - gifts to the poor - give at least one coin to two different needy people. If you don't know a person that falls into this category, one can give money to an organization that distributes it specifically on Purim and for Purim. If you would like, you can send it to us and we will distribute it appropriately.

3. Partake in a Yom Tov (holiday) meal.

4. Hear the Megillah - a second time.

One can fulfill these four Mitzvot on their own or at Thursday’s Purim @ the Bake Shop.

 According to the Huffington Post:

Purim is a spring holiday that commemorates the Jewish community's narrow escape from collective destruction in the ancient Persian Empire. The word itself, purim, comes from the Persian word for "lots" and is a reference to the fact that the date set for the Jews' annihilation was chosen by casting lots.

There are several major components of the Purim holiday, including public readings of the Book of Esther (k'riat megillah), giving charity to the poor (matanot la'evyonim) and delivering gifts to friends (mishloach manot). But Purim is most obviously characterized by a boisterous feast (se'udah) during which participants dress in costumes and drink to excess....

The Maccabeats celebrate and explain Purim too.



Click here to RSVP for Chabad of Roosevelt Island Purim At The Bake Shop.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim Holiday With Worship Service Followed By Shusan Abbey Purimschpiel Play

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Wednesday. According to Ms. Falk;

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Presented Shushan Abbey for Purim

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Wednesday night, February 28 with more than 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

Rabbi Leana Moritt, dressed as Vashti #MeToo, led the worship service. It included the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre.

Gad Levanon and Rabbi Leana Moritt read the story of Purim from the megillah scroll of the Book of Esther. (Photo Judy Berdy)

Assisted by Gad Levanon and Rachel Rekhter, her reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. With humor and parody, the congregation joined in singing prayers and songs to popular music and show tunes.

Later, a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative, was performed. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk,

Mickey Rindler, Playwright, and Janet Falk (Director) welcome the audience & play Theme from Downnton Abbey. (Photo Scott Pirro)

Shushan Abbey drew inspiration from the television series Downton Abbey. It also wove aspects of contemporary New York life into the familiar tale and featured Lord Crawley-suerus (Tsoni Peled),

Emily Kalb (Lady Esther) welcomes Tsoni Peled (Lord Crawley-suerus) back to Shushan Abbey (Photo Scott Piro)

Thomas Barrow Haman (Mickey Rindler),

Mickey Rindler (Haman) speaks to staff of Shushan Abbey, played by children and Ellen Polivy. (Photo Scott Piro)

Mordechai (Scott Piro), Lady Vashti (Rabbi Moritt) and Esther (Emily Kalb).

Scott Piro (Mordechai) tells his cousin Emily Kalb (Esther) to apply for the job of maid at Shushan Abbey. (Photo Janet Falk)

Other cast members included Ellen Polivy and Michal Melamed, plus children of the RIJC Religious School and Island community.

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who applauded enthusiastically.

The evening concluded with refreshments and delicious Hamantaschen , a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family, which has become an annual tradition.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or call 212-688-0003. The next Shabbat worship service is Friday, March 16 at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street.

Scott Piro adds a Roosevelt Island Purim Tweet:

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation #purim #magilla reading and #purimspiel: “Shushan Alley”… https://t.co/DCSzdwRlhq

— ScottyP (@scottpiro) March 6, 2018

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation #purim #magilla reading and #purimspiel: “Shushan Alley” (“Downton Abbey” parody that also satirizes Trump, immigration and the #MeToo movement.

A post shared by ScottyP (@scottpiro) on Mar 5, 2018 at 8:16pm PST

You're Invited To Purim Under The Sea With Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Thursday March 1 - Sumptuous Buffet, Sushi Bar, Underwater Entertainment, Multimedia Megillah Reading & Bubble Show Too

An invitation from Chabad Of Roosevelt Island to Purim Under The Sea on Thursday March 1 for a:

• Sumptuous Dinner Buffet,
• Sushi Bar,
• Underwater Entertainment & Crafts,
• Mulitmedia Megillah Reading & 
• Bubble Show By Alex

Contact nechama@rijewish.org to RSVP and more info at Chabad of Roosevelt Island web site.

The Maccabeats celebrate and explain Purim too.

Scenes From Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Persian Palace Purim Celebration - A Royal Ball

The Chabad of Roosevelt Island share scenes from their March 12 Persian Palace Purim Celebration.



More Persian Palace pictures here and information about Chabad Of Roosevelt Island available at their web site.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrate Purim Holiday With Tradition And Humorous Parody - Perform Hamanton: A Purim Musical

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation's (RIJC) Purim Celebration. According to Ms. Falk:

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Presented Hamanton: A Purim Musical

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Saturday night, March 11 with more than 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

Rabbi Leana Moritt, dressed as the Esther Bunny, led the worship service.

Image From Judy Berdy

It included the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. Assisted by Gad Levanon, Anna Levenstein, Michal Melamed and Rachel Rekhter,

Image From Judy Berdy

her reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. With humor and parody, the congregation joined in singing prayers and songs to popular music and show tunes.

Later, a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative, was performed. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk, Hamanton: A Purim Musical

Image From Mickey Rindler

drew inspiration from the musical sensation Hamilton; the entire script was in rap. It also wove aspects of the current political scene into the familiar tale and featured King Trumpasuerus (Tsoni Peled), Haman (Mickey Rindler), Mordechai (Rich Wagreich) and Queen Esther (Emily Kalb). The cast members included some children of the RIJC Hebrew School.

Image From Judy Berdy

The audience joined in singing new lyrics to the Hamilton tunes of (Not Throw Away) My Shot and You’ll Be Back. The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who applauded enthusiastically.

Judy Berdy and The RIJC maintained the long-standing tradition of making shaloch manos gift bags for the residents and patients of Coler Medical & Rehabilitation Hospital. Congregation donations of socks, gloves, hats, toiletries, writing materials and other small items will be distributed to them by Rabbi Alcabes.

The evening concluded with refreshments and delicious hamiltaschen or Hamantaschen , a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family, which has become an annual tradition.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or call RIJC President Nina Lublin 212-688-0003. The next Shabbat worship service is Friday, March 24 at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street, and will honor long-time member Ethel Romm.

Join The Chabad Of Roosevelt Island For Purim In The Persian Palace Tonight - Festive Dinner, Splendid Entertainment & Fun Fit For The Whole Family

An invitation from the Chabad Of Roosevelt Island to Purim In The Persian Palace:

Join Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Purim in the Persian Palace Sunday March 12 at 5 PM 425 Main Street

 Come one come all

Dressed for the royal ball

A King and Queen Sensation

A Majestic Purim Celebration

Sunday March 12 is the appointed date

5:00 in the evening, you don't want to be late

A festive dinner with drinks fit for Royalty

Splendid entertainment and fun for the whole family

Please RSVP to Chabad Of Roosevelt Island at 212 652- 5660 or email nechama@RIJewish.org.

Sorry for the short notice.

According to the Huffington Post:

Purim is a spring holiday that commemorates the Jewish community's narrow escape from collective destruction in the ancient Persian Empire. The word itself, purim, comes from the Persian word for "lots" and is a reference to the fact that the date set for the Jews' annihilation was chosen by casting lots.

There are several major components of the Purim holiday, including public readings of the Book of Esther (k'riat megillah), giving charity to the poor (matanot la'evyonim) and delivering gifts to friends (mishloach manot). But Purim is most obviously characterized by a boisterous feast (se'udah) during which participants dress in costumes and drink to excess....

The Maccabeats celebrate and explain Purim too.



Click here to RSVP for Chabad of Roosevelt Island Persian Palace.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrate Purim Story Of Esther With Worship, Food, Songs And Political Parody - Make Shushan Great Again Was Theme

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) March 23 Purim celebration. From Ms. Falk;

Make Shushan Great Again: A Purim Celebration on Roosevelt Island

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) with more than 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages on March 23.

After a communal pizza, quiche and pasta dinner, Rabbi Leana Moritt, dressed as a chef, led the worship service; it included the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. Assisted by Gad Levanon and Michal Melamed, her reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. With humor and parody, the congregation joined in singing prayers and song parodies to popular music and show tunes.

Later, a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative, was performed. Written by Mickey Rindler and Janet Falk, Make Shushan Great Again wove aspects of the Presidential campaign into the familiar tale and featured King Obamasuerus (Noam), Donald Haman (Mickey Rindler), Senator Mordechai Sanders (Scot Bobo) and Secretary of State Esther Hillassah (Rabbi Moritt). (Esther is known as Hadassah in Hebrew.)

The audience was invited to join in a song to popular melody by Pharrell Williams, here called (Because I’m) Esther, when Secretary of State Esther gathered her courage to petition the King and secure the safety of the Jews.

The cast members included students of the RIJC Hebrew School, led by Anna Levenstein -- Anna assisted in the direction --, plus other members of the RIJC.

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who applauded enthusiastically.

For example, Donald Haman (Mickey Rindler) and his Apprentices plot to kill the Jews

Image From Judy Berdy

Also, Secretary of State Esther Hillassah (Rabbi Leana Moritt) and Senator Mordechai Sanders (Scot Bobo) exchange emails to solve the peril for the Jews

Image From Judy Berdy

And the Cast sings (Because I’m) Esther a la Pharrell Williams

Image From Julia Chang

Judy Berdy and The RIJC maintained the long-standing tradition of making shaloch manos gift bags for the residents and patients of Coler Hospital and to the patients of the nursing facility in Harlem, where some of the former Island residents now reside. Congregation donations of socks, gloves, hats, toiletries, writing materials and other small items will be distributed to them by Rabbi Alcabes.

The evening concluded with delicious Hamentaschen, a holiday fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family, as is their annual tradition.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, please visit www.rijc.org or call 212-688-0003.

Happy Purim - Shake Your Grogger.

You're Invited To Purim In The Chocolate Factory Presented By Chabad Lubavitch Of Roosevelt Island Thursday March 24 - Megillah Reading, Chocolate Fountain, Buffet Dinner & More, Please RSVP

Image From Chabad Lubavitch Of Roosevelt Island

An invitation from the Chabad Lubavitch Of Roosevelt Island to Purim In The Chocolate Factory:

Join us for a fun Purim experience! Purim party, fun for kids, Megillah reading, food and more including:

• Interactive Megillah reading,
• Magnificent Chocolate Fountain,
• Buffet Diner,
• Chocolate Fun,
• Thursday March 24 6 PM,
• 425 Main Street,
• Suggested: $18,

Please click here for more information and to RSVP.

According to the Huffington Post:

Purim is a spring holiday that commemorates the Jewish community's narrow escape from collective destruction in the ancient Persian Empire. The word itself, purim, comes from the Persian word for "lots" and is a reference to the fact that the date set for the Jews' annihilation was chosen by casting lots.

There are several major components of the Purim holiday, including public readings of the Book of Esther (k'riat megillah), giving charity to the poor (matanot la'evyonim) and delivering gifts to friends (mishloach manot). But Purim is most obviously characterized by a boisterous feast (se'udah) during which participants dress in costumes and drink to excess....

The Maccabeats celebrate and explain Purim too.



Raise your glass and click here to RSVP for Chabad Lubavitch Purim In The Chocolate Factory.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates A Frozen Purim - So Do The Maccabeats And The Fountainheads In Song

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) March 4 Purim celebration. From Ms. Falk;

Shushan Island is Frozen: A Purim Celebration on Roosevelt Island

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Wednesday March 4th, with about 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

Image From Judy Berdy

After a communal pizza dinner, Rabbi Leana Moritt, dressed as a nun, Sister Fruma Sarah,

Image From Judy Berdy

led the worship service; it included the reading of the Megillah, or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. Ably assisted by Gad Levanon, Anna Levenstein, Michal Melamed and Doron Betel, her reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man, Haman,

Image Of Mickey Rindler as Hamen By Judy Berdy

who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. With great humor and parody, the congregation joined in singing prayers and novelty songs to popular music and show tunes.

Later, a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative, was performed. Written by Mickey Rindler and Janet Falk, Shushan Island is Frozen placed the four principal figures of the familiar tale on an ice-cold (Roosevelt) Island. Virtually every line of the play featured a reference to catch phrases like cool cat, cold hearted and frozen assets, plus King Ahablasio lived in Iceland House, near Coach Mordechai's Ice Cream Shop.

Image of Scot Bobo As Coach Mordechai, Owner of the Local Ice Cream Shop

The audience was invited to join in a song to a very familiar melody, here called I Must Go, as Queen Esther gathered her courage to petition the King and secure the safety of the Jews. The cast featured Scot Bobo, Mickey Rindler, Charlie Schwartz and Rabbi Moritt, plus students of the RIJC Hebrew School and some of our older children.

Image of RIJC Hebrew School Children From Judy Berdy

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and cold-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew much laughter, groans and many cheers from the audience.

Judy Berdy & The RIJC maintained its long standing tradition of making Shaloch Manos gift bags for the residents & patients of Coler Hospital; congregation donations of socks, gloves, hats, toiletries, writing materials and other little items will be distributed by Rabbi there.

The evening concluded with delicious Hamentaschen, a traditional fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, please visit www.rijc.org or call Nina Lublin, RIJC President, at 212-688-0003.

UPDATE 4:50 PM - A Reader commented below:

... I find the rabbi's use of a nun's habit in this manner very offensive....

Nina Lubin, President of the RIJC replies:

Rabbi Moritt's costume for Purim, a fun & joyful holiday whose celebration that includes the telling of a story that is an important part of Jewish history and dressing up in costumes, was not, and is not, intended to offend anyone. Taking the name of a character from "Fiddler on the Roof", and wearing a costume which, by the way, has been seen by many of us at our annual Holloween parade for the 32 years I have lived here, is just one way to celebrate an important holiday.

I am sorry if Ms. Markey was disturbed by that image, but no harm was meant.