Mansfield's Chabad Jewish Center's Purim in the Circus

“Purim in the Circus” is the Chabad Jewish Center's creative twist to this year’s community Purim celebration, which will be held at the Mansfield VFW, 88 Chilson Avenue, on Wednesday, March 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature a carnival- style dinner, Megillah Reading & Sideshow, Purim Masquerade and an  Incredible Circus Show by Chuckles & Nick. Featuring: Stilt Walking, Acrobats, Juggling, Unicycle, Illusion & Straight Jacket Escape.

Participants will enjoy Delicious buffet dinner, a great show and a free raffle. In addition, the celebration will feature crafts for the kids and an amazing circus show.

In the spirit of Purim, participants are encouraged to come in costume and be included in the competition, Every one in a costume receives a prize! The event is a community-wide program, and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. To help cover expenses, guests are requested to pay a minimal fee. Program sponsorship is available. no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

What is the holiday of Purim?

The festival of Purim is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar. It begins this year after sundown on February 27th and ends at nightfall on February 28th. The holiday commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in Ancient Persia from Haman's plot "to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day." The name of the holiday, Purim, literally means "lots," for Haman determined the day of the annihilation by drawing a lottery. It is observed by public readings of the Megillah, or Scroll of Esther, to recount the story of the Purim miracle, sending food gifts to friends, giving gifts of money to the poor and enjoying a festive Purim meal. For more on Purim’s history, observances and meaning, plus fun and other activities for the entire family, please visit http://www.JewishMansfield.com/purim.

During the past 50 years there has been a revival in the observance of the Purim holiday. This phenomenon can be directly traced to the vigorous outreach efforts of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, under whose direction the Chabad-Lubavitch movement distributed hundreds of millions of Purim packages and explanatory brochures, organized countless public readings of the Book of Esther in places famous and obscure and otherwise reached out to Jews of all walks of life to encourage them to partake in the holiday's celebration.

What is the Chabad Jewish Community Center?

The Chabad Jewish Community Center in Mansfield is dedicated to providing an open door environment for strengthening and enhancing Jewish family life for every Jew regardless of background, philosophy, or level of commitment.

Chabad serves individuals and families looking for a non-judgmental, accepting, personalized Jewish experience.

Chabad believes in the right of every Jew to experience the beautiful treasures of our Jewish heritage, regardless of religious background or financial status.

Chabad is committed to provide a wide variety of educational, religious, and social services, according to the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, toward the goal of making our world a fitting dwelling place for G-d.

For more information about the Chabad Centers Purim festivities or on the holiday of Purim and its observances, contact Rabbi Yossi or Tzivi at  508-339-8767 or email Rabbi@JewishMansfield.com or visit our website at www.JewishMansfield.com.