Purim 2023 at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates saw the community’s largest and most festive celebration ever! Purim night saw three packed minyanim for Megillah reading for all ages with Rabbi Dr. Dov Lerner presiding in the main sanctuary! An outdoor petting zoo and “Mordechai Pony Ride” sponsored by All My Children Daycare greeted young children as they arrived.
After Megillah, a delicious buffet of pizza, falafel, salads, ice cream, and of course Hamantashen was served in the downstairs banquet room where the YIJE sisterhood distributed Family Game Night-themed mishloach manos to members.
In the main ballroom, the Sara Domb Youth Department annual Purim carnival rocked the house with fun, games, and treats for young and old. In addition to traditional carnival game booths, there was a giant bounce house, game tables, cotton candy, popcorn, and lots and lots and lots of dancing led and encouraged by YIJE Youth Director Jacob Herskowitz. A professional laser light show delighted the kids, as well as the adults, and surprised everyone when the laser lights spelled out COLOR WAR!!!
This year, the Youth Department’s Color War, which engages the kids and teens with Torah challenges, athletic events, and creative competitions, features an appropriately titled theme of Sasson and Simchah. Twenty different Color War events lay ahead over the next two weeks to hold the kids over till Pesach!
