Jewish Holiday Of Purim Observed At Greenport Synagogue

With Megillah Reading, Fun Costumes, and Hamantaschen

Congregation Tifereth Israel in Greenport invites community residents and visitors to join the membership in the observance of the Jewish holiday of Purim. The Biblical story of Queen Esther will be read, followed by a social hour consisting of hamantaschen, the
filled, tri-cornered confection traditionally served for the holiday. The event will take place on Sunday, March 24, at 11 a.m., at the synagogue on Fourth Street. Rabbi Gadi Capela, spiritual leader of the synagogue, will lead the service.

The Scroll of Esther recounts the Biblical narrative in which Esther, the queen, saves the Jewish people from the evil Haman, the king’s advisor, who plotted to exterminate all the Jews in Persia. When Esther pleaded with the king for the salvation of her people, the
king reversed the decree and hanged the evil Haman for his plot. Purim is a joyous holiday. During the reading of the Scroll of Esther, listeners spin loud noisemakers, called groggers, each time Haman’s name is mentioned. Many of those attending dress in costumes to celebrate the king and the queen and other characters in the ancient tale.

Hamantaschen, loosely translated as Haman’s hats, are tri-cornered baked goods, filled with fruits and poppy seeds, which legend says were Queen Esther’s favorites.

The synagogue is located at 519 Fourth Street, immediately south of the intersection of Fourth and Front Streets in Greenport. The reading will take place in the historic sanctuary of the synagogue, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information, call the synagogue at 631-477-0232.