Orange County’s Big Apple Purim

Chabad of Orange County, NY headed by Shluchim Rabbi Pesach and Chana Burston, hosted a unique and exciting “Purim in the Big Apple” themed Purim party at the
Goshen Harness Museum in Goshen, NY.

More than 200 from throughout the county had the opportunity to participate in the mitzvot and traditions of Purim in a creative and joyous setting. Celebrants enjoyed a NYC ethnic buffet with various stations, including “Chinese food in Chinatown,” “Hot Dogs & Hamantashen in Hell’s Kitchen,” “Linguini in Little Italy,” “Knishes, Kishke & Kugul in Kosher Lower East Side,” and “Snacks in SoHo!”

Rabbi Pesach Burston, dressed as “Mayor Burston” read the megillah (Scroll of Esther), and Chana Burston, dressed as Lady Liberty, led the “Masquerade in Midtown” where adults and children in costume walked the “red carpet” and each received a prize.

Rabbi Pesach also explained the meaning of the names “Big Apple,” “Orange County,” and “Purim,” the holiday, which means “lots,” after the lot cast by the villain Haman to determine the date of the fate of the Jews’ annihilation. Instead, on that date the “lot” turned out revered; Haman was hung, and the Jews survived and now celebrate Purim each year! In that spirit, several raffles were held throughout the party.

A highlight of the party was “Times Square Street Performers.” Several local community members shared their talents and shtick. Chaim Pincus, 12, of Chester drummed on garbage cans, and Justin Ginsburg of Middletown performed a juggling repertoire. 10-year-old Duvy Burston of Monroe, son of Rabbi Pesach and Chana, presented various illusion tricks, beat-boxed, and entertained with a diabolo show. For the Times Square finale 9-year-old Matthew Drillings of Chester breakdanced for the crowd.

A “Street Vendor” table sold various t-shirts, including “I Love NY” printed in Hebrew letters, “I Love Purim” and “I Love Chabad.” Children also enjoyed their own megillah reading and children’s program with mask decorating.

“It was fun,” Goshen resident Miriam Munzer, who also helped volunteer at the party, posted on Facebook, “I loved the theme and the buzz of good old NY Yiddishkite. :)”