Parties for Purim!

This year, Purim was especially magical and memorable, as the holiday auspiciously fell on Friday, leading straight into the warmth of Shabbat. To mark the occasion, Friendship Circle hosted a variety of action-packed events to celebrate.

The festivities began early in the week with the delivery of hundreds of Purim boxes to families throughout the community. Each beautifully wrapped package contained scrumptious treats, sweet hamantashen, and a Havdalah kit complete with a candle and fragrant spices.

“It was a lovely Purim box in the spirit of Friendship Circle, generously packaged by Friendship Circle volunteers,” said recipient Anne Weisenberg. “It included supplies for Havdalah. So not only did it fulfill the mitzvah of Purim, but it encouraged the recipient to do another mitzvah.”

With Purim leading into Shabbat, the Havdalah kit provided a meaningful way for families to conclude the celebrations with the traditional ceremony marking the close of Shabbat.

But the fun was just getting started! To get the community into the holiday spirit, a Hamantash Bake event invited participants to roll up their sleeves and don aprons to make the symbolic pastry. Bakers of all ages laughed and socialized while creating delicious hamantashen in a variety flavors.

“My favorite part of the event was meeting new people and continuing the tradition of making hamantashen,” said Livingston resident, David Altman, who attended with friends and family.

Friendship Circle also spread the Purim joy beyond LifeTown’s walls, bringing Purim festivities to Livingston rehabilitation and assisted living facilities, Inglemoor and Brandywine. Rabbi Yisroel Rosenblum treated residents to a Megillah reading, recounting the miraculous Purim story, followed by songs and Purim treats. The residents were uplifted by the lively energy and the reminder that they are an important part of the community’s celebrations.

To cap off a fun-filled week, over 250 people attended a Purim Party and Fabulous Friday Night event at LifeTown on Friday, March 14. The evening kicked off with the reading of the Megillah, followed by a delicious Purim meal. Bright decorations adorned each table and guests dressed in festive costumes. The crowd then enjoyed a lively game show hosted by Hollyrock Entertainment.

As the sun set, the Purim celebration continued directly into Shabbat, with the evening seamlessly transitioning to a traditional Shabbat experience, including candle lighting and Kiddush.

“We are always welcomed with so many smiles and warmth when we arrive at LifeTown,” said Daniella Siegel. “Our son does not have many opportunities to learn and celebrate the Jewish holidays, so this is a great opportunity for him to do so. We felt very at home as we always do.”

The year’s Purim was extra-special, and everyone who celebrated at LifeTown felt an abundance of love and community togetherness.