KIHEI - The Festival of Purim that marks the survival of the Jewish people from the genocidal plans of a Persian tyrant and the annual food drive are part of the activities planned at the Jewish Congregation of Maui.
The festival of Purim will be celebrated Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the temple. The Persian tyrant Haman attempted to annihilate all the Jews of Persia and its 127 provinces. To honor the memory of the Persian Jews in strife, Jews around the world refrain from food and drink on the day leading up to the celebration in "The Fast of Esther."
On this Festival of Purim, the Jewish people are commanded:
* To hear the reading of the Megillah/Scroll of Esther.
* To send mishloach manot, or gifts of food.
* To give gifts to the poor in preparation of Passover.
* To say Al Hanisim or special prayers acknowledging the miracle of the day.
* To have a festive meal.
There will be a contemporary reading of the Megillah by the Jewish School of Maui children for the community at Wednesday's event.
On Thursday at 9:30 a.m., there will be Shacharit/Morning service followed by a traditional reading of the Torah and the Megillah by Rabbi David Glickman. In the spirit of the celebration, those attending are urged to come in costume and bring mishloach manot, or small baskets of food, to give to friends and visitors.
Through April 4 in observance of the directive to help the needy from Purim to Passover, the Jewish Congregation of Maui will be collecting packaged and canned foods for the Maui Food Bank. Recommended items include canned meat, tuna, fruits, vegetables, meals and soups with protein; cereals, rice and pasta (all items must be factory sealed). Financial contributions also are welcomed by the Maui Food Bank.
Items may be dropped off at the Jewish Congregation of Maui's Beit Shalom Synagogue at 634 Alulike St., behind the Maui Lu Resort.
For more information, call the temple office at 874-5397 or send email to jcom@hawaiibiz.rr.com.
