Students at Agudas Achim Congregation donned their best costumes March 16 to celebrate Purim, the holiday marking the saving of the execution of Jews in 5th century BC in Persia.

Sylvia Lang and Risa Benson dress in costumes to celebrate Purim March 16 at Agudas Achim Congregation.

 

“We celebrate Purim in the spring to celebrate the rescue of the Jews of ancient Persia by Queen Esther,” said Chaya Silver, Education and Youth Director at Agudas Achim Congregation of Northern Virginia. “The Jews of Persia were threatened by an evil royal advisor who set out to eradicate the Jewish community of Persia. Esther, who lived in the palace and was secretly Jewish, is inspired by her Uncle Mordechai, to speak up on behalf of her people even when doing so put her life at great risk.”

As part of the celebration, students performed the theatrical parody “Muppet Megillah.”

“The tradition of doing a theatrical parody that allows the audience to enjoy cheering for the good guys and, quite literally, booing for the villain goes back to the mid-16th century in Europe,” Silver said. “This ‘shpiel’ is one of the ways Jews celebrate Purim.”

Students handled the bulk of the production with teen Jaqui Drobnis acting as director. Other students ran sound, created costumes and worked backstage. The production team included Evan Fagen, Jacob Benson, Julianna and Jacob Sanchez, Rebecca Weingast, and Rebecca Drobnis.

“All the actors were students in our Religious School in grades two through sixth,” Silver added. “Acting in the spring shpiel has become very popular. The original script by Doug Brook was adapted by me to include new material, songs, some contemporary references, and more roles. We had so many kids who auditioned and everyone was included. The parody used characters from Sesame Street and other PBS children’s programs to tell the story of Purim with humor and fun. The final song of the show reminds the audience that it is up to all Jews to make the world better.”

The ritual observance of Purim begins with a day of fasting the day preceding the actual holiday. On Purim Jews are enjoined to exchange gifts and make donations to the poor.

“This year’s shpiel, two years after the COVID shut down, gave Agudas Achim members, young and old, a great way to reconnect.”

— Agudas Achim Congregation Youth director Chaya Silver

“There are four important customs Jews are asked to observe in honor of this holiday,” Silver said. “Listen to a public reading of the Book of Esther, give gift baskets with treats to friends, give tzedakah, or charity, and have a feast on the day of Purim.”

Silver praised the work of the students as well as the support of their families.

“I am always wowed by the incredible talent our young people demonstrate and their ability to make things happen,” Silver said. “I am also deeply grateful to the parents of cast members who not only designed and built our set but supported this way of ‘Doing Jewish’ for their kids. Nothing is better at community building than live theatre and this year’s shpiel, two years after the COVID shut down, gave Agudas Achim members, young and old, a great way to reconnect.”