Saturday, March 19, 8 pm, Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus
Lights, glitz, glamour, and an evening of joyous merrymaking are planned for the Young Adult Division of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2016 Purim party.
What Happens at Purim Stays at Purim is the theme of this year’s bash. This event is designed for Jewish professionals, students, singles, and couples, ages 22–45.
The party features live entertainment from the popular area band Cheap Thrills, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet desserts, gaming tables, and at least one Elvis, if not several.
Costumes or cocktail attire are encouraged, say party co-chairs Ashley Zittrain and Callah Terkeltaub. Dressing up is part of the traditional observation of Purim, a festival celebrating the biblical story of good triumphing over evil.
The co-chairs say a majority of the 200 attendees at last year’s Purim party— Purimpalooza—came dressed in unique attire, individually and in groups.
They expect even more creativity this year, and also anticipate a larger crowd for the event, which is sponsored by Tidewater Home Funding.
“Last year’s party was such a success and everyone had such an incredible time, that people have already started planning what they’re going to wear this year, and are getting their friends involved early,” says Zittrain.
Those who have lived in or visited Israel during Purim know it is a huge nation-wide celebration where costumes and street parties are common, and that everyone gets involved—young and old, religious and secular.
In parts of the United States, Purim is right up there with Mardi Gras in New Orleans or St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, Zittrain says. While YAD’s Purim party may not be as big as those celebrations yet, it is the largest social event of the year for young Jewish adults in Tidewater, and is already raising the stakes for future parties.
Tickets for What Happens at Purim Stays at Purim are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. Visit www.JewishVA.org/purimparty to see photos from last year’s party, reserve tickets, and get more information.