Melbourne’s Mayor at Purim Party

Chabad of Melbourne’s Central Business District under Rabbi Chaim Herzog held its 11th annual Purim luncheon at the Melbourne Town Hall on Purim day.

Hundreds of businessmen and women, state politicians and the Lord Mayor attended. Melbourne’s Machon L’Smicha bachurim lay tefillin on many participants and the program began.

Rabbi Herzog welcomed all participants and explained the importance of seeing the relevance of Megillat Esther in modern times – the Jewish people are still under the threat of enemies who wish to destroy us and the importance of Jewish pride and commitment to overturn evil decrees.

Rabbi Herzog then invited the Minister for Multiculturalism to address the participants. The minister explained that the State of Victoria is honoured to participate in the celebration of Purim together with the Jewish community.

The minister also thanked the Jewish community, who among other communities, gathered funds and resources to help Victorians who suffered greatly from the recent Victorian bushfires. He mentioned how impressed he was when he saw the rabbi who blew the Shofar at the recent Bushfire Memorial service held in Melbourne.

State Secretary Mr. Tony Lupton then spoke to the luncheon attendees about the beauty of the festival of Purim, that its entire celebration is that of giving to others. He spoke about the unity that is brought from giving and the beauty of including children in the festivities.

Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle thanked Rabbi Herzog for all his programs that are held throughout the year in Melbourne’s city and hoped to be able to attend many more.

The Megillah was heard by hundreds of participants and was followed by a catered lunch.