East Hampton - The Jewish Center of the Hamptons in East Hampton, hosted Purim weekend celebrations on Saturday, February 27th and Sunday, February 28th. Purim celebrates the story from "The Book of Esther" in the Bible, about Jews in the Diaspora during the Persian period - and provides an optimistic picture of Jewish survival and success in a foreign land. Celebrators typically wear costumes, perform plays and celebrate joyously.

Leading up to that weekend, and to get the families excited to celebrate, The Jewish Center held a trivia contest.

On Saturday, February 27, The Jewish Center held Purim services, including reading the Megillah, and Purim Spiel (play), "Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Shushan!" (the city where the Purim story takes place). The trivia contest winners won gift baskets. All this was followed by the free Annual Purim Spaghetti Dinner. Despite bad weather, over 100 people enjoyed a delicious dinner.

Sunday, February 28 morning was the annual Purim Carnival, which was open to the community. There were lots of games and crafts and a wonderful show by Mario the Magician. Many children took Rabbi Zimmerman's Purim Challenge to name the 4 M's Mitzvot (Good Deeds) of Purim: Megillah, Mishloach Manot (food gifts for friends), Matanot L'Evyonim (food gifts for those less fortunate), Mishteh (party) and won M&Ms.

For more information contact Soozy Miller at 631-324-9858 or www.office2@jcoh.org.