Fun-Filled Purim Celebrations Held on Chelsea Jewish Lifecare Campuses

There were smiles and laughter all around during our annual Purim celebrations in Chelsea and Peabody. Residents were dancing, singing, and eating while dressed in vibrant costumes. Some staff members brought their children and grandchildren. Clearly everyone who attended enjoyed the festivities immensely.

Purim, one of the most joyous Jewish holidays, is only a day long. Usually held in March or April, the holiday commemorates the day Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jewish people from execution by Haman, the advisor to the Persian king. Esther bravely exposed her previously hidden Jewish heritage to her husband the king and asked him to save her people, which he did. Purim is so important to the Jewish community mainly because it’s a story of triumph for a long- and harshly persecuted people.

Purim is observed by Jewish communities around the world. The traditional food of Purim is the three-sided pastry known as hamentaschen. The treat symbolizes Hamen’s hat, and eating it is a way to symbolically destroy his memory. One of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday, hamentaschen is often made with fruit, figs, poppy seeds, chocolate, or other sweet fillings.

A highlight of the day was our Purim Costume Contest. Residents voted on the best costumes and winners received prizes. One look at the photos and you can see that the celebration was an unqualified success! Thank you to our wonderful staff and residents who planned a very special day for all of us.