WICKER PARK — The "happiest of all Jewish holidays" is here.
Sometimes referred to as a "Jewish Mardi Gras," Purim celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people who survived a plot that threatened to kill them in the year 3405 in the Jewish calendar (356 BCE).
Purim encourages costumes, too. In fact, revelers who show up at the door of The Bedford dressed in costume will get $2 off their party tickets.
Set for 8 p.m. Wednesday at The Bedford, 1612 W. Division St., the party — the 10th annual Purim celebration for the expanding Bucktown Wicker Park Chabad Jewish Center — includes a performance by Farbrengiton, a Chicago-based rock band, as well as a falafel buffet and open bar.
In addition to eating and drinking, it's also customary on Purim to listen to the reading of the Purim story from the Megillah, a scroll from the Book of Esther, as well as give to the needy and send gift-baskets of food to friends.
The Megillah reading will start at 9 p.m.
Rabbi Yosef Moscowitz, leader of the Bucktown Wicker Park Chabad Jewish Center, describes Purim as "the happiest of all Jewish holidays." This year's party will be hosted in collaboration with two other chabads in East Lakeview and Lincoln Park, he said.
"We're really a community organization open to all types of Jews. [Being] open-minded, non-judgmental is what attracts people to us. Just about making Judaism relevant and fun for all backgrounds," Moscowitz previously said. "We are all brothers and sisters."
Tickets may be purchased online for $20 or $25 at the door, or $23/door with costume. Doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, call 773-772-3770 or email. View photos from previous celebrations.
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