Each year we set 'imaginary mental goals', trying to make our successful Purim celebration even better than previous years. Somehow, in 2016 we managed to exceed our own expectations with 250 men, women, and children in costume enjoying circus acts, juggling, face painting, bounce house, arcade games, and delicious dinner. Everyone got into the spirit of the occasion and we are thankful for the amazing people who put this together, starting with my dear wife, Rebbitzin Ettie. She planned this entire event from start to finish, aided by our fantastic Team Londa, Stephanie, Alicia, Hilton, and all the volunteers and our sponsors: the Levine Family, Steven Goldberg & Melissa Kahn, & Southern Striping.
How sweet it is to see our Chabad family come together once more.
Rabbi Alkabetz says, the reason we send gifts to each other on Purim is to foster feelings of closeness and care, strengthening the mitzvah to “love your neighbor as yourself”, establishing harmony throughout the Jewish People. The only way to defeat the evil ‘Hamans’ of history is to create strong bonds of love and friendship among Jews. When there are divisions, our enemies may have a window of opportunity to (G-d forbid) prevail. If we stand together, nobody can conquer us!
Since Purim is a time for giving, here is an opportunity to encourage everyone to come together and unify as partners to support all the amazing things CHABAD is doing for our community, and to join in the spirit and contribute so we can continue all the amazing programs.