Ancient Rider Gallops through the West Side this Purim

This Tuesday March 18, 2003 Chabad of the West Side will be hosting a Purim Parade and Carnival for children at their 101 West 92nd Street location. Purim is a Jewish holiday celebrating the hidden hand of G-d saving the Jews from certain death in ancient Persia. Mordechai, a character in the Megillah (a scroll that is traditionally read on Purim) receives royal treatment at one point in the story by meriting riding the King's horse. This year Chabad will make the story come alive by having a horse and rider dressed as Mordechai lead the parade on Columbus Avenue and 92nd Street just outside of the Chabad center.

New York—For the first time ever, community members are invited to a reenactment of the Purim Story as we end off our annual Purim program and festivity with a unique parade led by a mounted Mordechai.

Join us this Tuesday- March 18, 2003 for a Purim program beginning at 11:00 AM involving Arts and Crafts for children, music, song, games, prizes and an interactive Megillah Reading for parents and children.

The Megillah known as Megillat Esther is a scroll containing the story of Purim as it happened years ago in ancient Persia. The story tells of King Achashverosh who ruled 127 provinces and his wicked advisor Haman who plots to kill all the Jewish people in the land. He particularly despises Mordechai, an old Jewish Rabbi who refuses to bow down to Haman when he passes him. Mordechai speaks many languages and foils two of the palace servants plans to poison the king. The king wishes to reward Mordechai and summons Haman to seek his counsel on exactly how to go about honoring he whom the King wishes to honor." Haman, assuming the king is referring to him, advises the king to allow he whom the King wishes to honor" wears the royal robes and ride the royal horse. Ironically, the tables turn and the king has Haman lead Mordechai on the royal horse all around Shushan (the capitol city). Eventually the king gives in to Haman and allows him to send out a decree to berid of the Jews. Unbeknownst to the king, his very own Queen Esther is a Jewess and she saves the day in the end.

A point in the story that children are always fascinated by is when tables are turned and much to Haman (the wicked man)s chagrin he ends up leading Mordechai (the benevolent man) bedecked in royalty, around the capitol for all to see.

How timeless a story indeed!