This year, Purim became a truly magical holiday for the cities and towns of the four regions of our Hesed. A cheerful and bright wave of celebrations swept through the communities, bringing joy, laughter, and an atmosphere of unity. For those who were unable to attend the event, they had the opportunity to watch the concert and hear the reading of the scroll of Esther online.
In each city, Purim was celebrated with theatrical performances that recreated the events of the sacred story of the salvation of the Jewish people thanks to the courage of Queen Esther. In Volyn, Kamianets-Podilskyi, and Rivne, adults and children enthusiastically watched costumed performances, where the main characters were Mordecai, Esther, King Ahasuerus, and the sinister Haman. In the Khmelnytskyi community, a performance based on Sholem Aleichem's work "The Two Shalahmones" debuted.
In addition to theatrical performances, much attention was paid to traditional master classes. During the week, visitors, regardless of age, were happy to participate in baking gomentashes - triangular sweet pastries with poppy seed, fruit or chocolate filling. The hostesses shared the secrets of making the dough, and the children were delighted to sculpt their own little masterpieces. Also, everyone could show their creative abilities and create their own unique carnival mask and postcard.
The holiday is a time for joy, warmth and care. That is why every member of the community with limited mobility was not left out and felt this atmosphere and most importantly – attention. Hundreds of traditional gomentashes were baked by volunteers. Curators and volunteers made sure that the holiday came to every home: everyone received gifts and goodies.
Thus, Purim once again proved that this is a holiday of the victory of light over darkness and joy over sadness. And although thousands of years have passed since those events, the memory of the miracle lives in the hearts, giving people hope and happiness. In unity, we are able not only to create a positive atmosphere, but also to work miracles.
