New York Theme Purim
By Betty Nelander
Palm Beach Daily News
Friday, April 1, 2016
 From left, Millie Berkowitz, Leslie Godoff, Hindel Levitin (holding Mendel Levitin), Marty Berkowitz, Rabbi Zalman Levitin, and Stanley Godoff enjoy the comedian and festivities at Chabad’s Purim in New York City March 24 at The Chesterfield. The rabbi and his wife are dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Tom Tracy Photography |
 Rabbi Zalman and Rebbetzin Hindel Levitin and their children dress as the Statue of Liberty at Chabad’s Purim in New York City festive dinner March 24 at The Chesterfield. Top, from left, Rabbi Levitin and his daughter Rivka 12, in front of him. Bottom, from left, Musia, 4, Rochel, 6, Mirel, 10, holding Mendel, 1 1/2, and Hindel holding Alta Shula, 5 weeks. Photo by Tom Tracy Photography  Rabbi and Rebbetzin Hindel Levitin, dressed as NYC’s Statue of Liberty, show the I Love NY T-shirts of their two youngest children, Alta Shula (5 weeks) and Mendel (1 1/2 years) Levitin. Photo by Tom Tracy |
New York-theme Purim — A community celebration presented by Chabad of Northern Palm Beach Island last week was festive with a New York theme and entertainment by comedian Marc Weiner.
More than 50 people celebrated the mitzvah of The Purim Feast at The Chesterfield.
The Jewish holiday, based on the biblical Book of Esther, commemorates the courage of Queen Esther and her cousin, Mordecai, over the wicked minister Haman.
Participants heard a reading of the biblical scroll, gave gifts, and enjoyed dinner and comedy. Weiner “laughed at all the funny and ironic things in our lives,” recalled teacher and Rebbetzin Hindel Levitin.
Celebrants carried the New York City theme to costumes. Rabbi Zalman Levitin and family donned attire depicting the State of Liberty, complete with crown and torch.
The children made candied chocolate apples.