Saturday, March 19, 8 pm, Sandler Family Campus
They call her Lady Luck, and chances are good she may show up with Frank Sinatra, Liberace, or a beautiful blonde bombshell at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus for the “party of the year.”
The Young Adult Division (YAD) of the United Jewish Federation is throwing its second Purim party in as many years. Tidewater Home Funding is again sponsoring the extravaganza, which is open to all in the community, ages 22 and up.
“We’re happy to support YAD and its annual Purim party for the second straight year,” says Shikma Rubin, a licensed mortgage consultant with Tidewater Home Funding and a YAD board member.
“We believe in supporting our community, and the Purim party is an event that brings all of Tidewater’s Jewish young adults together for a really great evening.”
Rubin tries not to miss the large holiday parties YAD hosts for holidays such as Hannukah and Purim. She’s been to the last three, and came dressed as a “speed bump” to last year’s Purimpalooza, a costume which wittily acknowledged her undisguisable pregnancy.
Purimpalooza had a decidedly rock ‘n roll, carnival theme atmosphere. Shikma, her husband Danny, and several hundred fellow revelers—almost all in costume— danced, drank, and noshed the night away.
This year, even more guests are expected to attend based on the buzz generated from last year’s party and advance ticket sales. Fred Rose bought his tickets well ahead of time, as did his brothers.
“The YAD Purim party is the premier event for our community,” says Rose. “I’m looking forward to meet new people and mingle with my friends in a fun, energetic, yet casual environment.”
Organizers riffed on a popular ad slogan to come up with the theme for this year’s party: What Happens at Purim, Stays at Purim.
Purim party co-chairs Callah Terkeltaub and Ashley Zittrain have worked with their committee for months to create plans that will turn the Cardo lobby into a swanky Las Vegas nightclub. While it may not have all of the amenities of, say, Vegas’ XS or Marquee, the scene will be vibrant and utterly transformed. The fun begins as soon as guests step through the doors. In their best club clothes, or costumes (it is a Purim party, after all), the first stop for partyers will be a photo op on the red carpet. From there, choices abound.
The event features an open bar with top shelf alcoholic selections, as well as other drinks. Cheap Thrills, one of the area’s most popular bands, will perform throughout the evening. The music is ideal for dancing, and those who work up an appetite from all the movin’ and groovin’ have munchies waiting: gourmet sliders and hamantaschen.
A Vegas style party wouldn’t be complete without some games of chance. Tables will be set up in the VIP area for guests to play craps, roulette and blackjack. Money—the funny kind, not the real deal—will be distributed to guests to use at the tables.
Special guests will also come to the party—at least two Elvis Presleys will leave guests “all shook up” and shouting, “Viva Las Vegas.”
“Purim is such a fun holiday to celebrate, and with there being an emphasis on friendship and community, it only seems fitting to attend YAD’s annual Purim party with two or 300 of your closest friends!” says Callah Terkeltaub.
“I am especially excited this year with our larger-than-life Vegas theme which is sure to provide ample entertainment—with the band, the game tables, and—surprise!—its own “little white chuppah,” Terkeltaub says.
Both Terkeltaub and Zittrain want to reassure all, that “What Happens at Purim, Stays at Purim.” As for the hundreds of fantastic party photos, which could end up going viral, their lips are sealed—with a smile.
Tickets for What Happens at Purim Stays at Purim are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door; i.d. required. Costumes encouraged, or wear cocktail attire.
Visit www.JewishVA.org/PurimParty to reserve tickets, get more information, and get an idea of the fun in store by looking at more photos from last year’s party.
by Laine M. Rutherford