Purim at Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation in Jamaica Hills is always exciting, and this past Purim was no exception. The girls from Shevach High School came dressed up in costume - some were smiley faces and others were Minnie Mouse. Together they entertained with music from a rolling speaker and thrilling dancing that uplifted the residents' spirits.
Margaret Tietz created 120 mishloach manos they proudly distributed to attendees at the Young Israel of Queens Valley Senior Center Purim bash. Another 100 was distributed at the Young Israel of Forest Hills Senior Center, where Margaret Tietz also provided the music, fruit, and dessert.
Purim day at the center included a festive fleshig seudah with the participation of young men from Lander College for Men. There were a few students who led with solo performances, and one who brought along his guitar to add to the excitement. This energized bunch brought fantastic Purim joy to every corner of the Margaret Tietz shul that held the program – from their cheerful costumes to their smiles and warm touch. Much appreciation is extended to a Sephardic child soloist who took to the mic and wowed the crowd with his rendition of "Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim," reminding all of the ongoing war against Hamas that Israel continues to fight.
Kwang Lee, Administrator at Margaret Tietz, a division of Cassena Care, was on hand, and was not shy to put on festive sunglasses along with a dog nose and ears. You go, Kwang! Next year, maybe he'll don a Chasidic hat, jacket, and beard! Rabbi Zavel Pearlman, spiritual guide and rabbi for Margaret Tietz, gets thanks for arranging much of the ongoings.
Residents also sung and read text of importance to the chag. Of those present were Elonna Kravitz, an organizer for the center, Ted Spiegel, husband of Linda Spiegel, the center’s Director of Public Affairs, and Dr. and Mrs. Ellie Bennett, parents of musician Tzvi Bennett – dressed as an MDA medic, presumably borrowing one of his father’s shirts, who returned for another year of providing live musical entertainment packed with classical Purim melodies. Costume-clad visiting youngsters joined the dancing trails that snaked through the tables as residents thoroughly enjoyed their holiday meals.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
