by tskzLike every year, local branches of the Social and Cultural Association of Jews in Poland organised their own celebrations of Purim festival, which is the most joyful holiday of the Jewish calendar. This year’s festivities turned out to be highly popular, and all the attendees were simply carried away by the fun!
DZIERŻONIÓW
On 15 March, TSKŻ Dzierżoniów invited everyone to a special Purim gathering which took place at its domicile. Bela Flajs and Anna Ajzenberg-Sławińska talked about the customs associated with the Feast of Lots and the Book of Esther. Marek Gontarek and Maurycy Huf gave their performance as part of the artistic program of the event. The festive table was not without the traditional delicacy i.e. sweet hamantaschen.
CZĘSTOCHOWA
In the afternoon on Friday, 14 March, a Purim celebration was held in Częstochowa, featuring soloists Piotr Sierka, Ireneusz Czubak and Pola Czubak from the Jarmuła Band. Traditional refreshments and a Purim lottery were offered to the participants.
GLIWICE
On 30 March, TSKŻ club in Gliwice hosted Henryk Rajfer and Teresa Wrońska, the actors from the Jewish Theatre, who presented the audience with their Purim-themed repertoire. At the end of the lively party, each participant of the event received a Purim gift.
KATOWICE
On Thursday 13 March, Purim-related festivities were carried out at TSKŻ Katowice. The guests received a welcome speech by Chairman Piotr Grabiec, who gave them a brief account of the history of the Feast of Lots. The famous Jarmuła Band appeared on stage. The meeting was attended by members of the branch, supporters of the Association, and representatives of local authorities, including Ms Aneta Kopytowska, Supervisor for National Minorities at the Voivodeship Office.
WAŁBRZYCH
On the occasion of the Purim festival in Wałbrzych, Robert Delegiewicz and Paweł Stuczyński played a Jewish song concert. In addition to sweet treats known as ‘Haman’s ears’ other traditional dishes were served, including kugel and cymes. Each of the invitees received a special festive gift.
GDAŃSK
On 14 March, members of TSKŻ Gdańsk gathered together to take part in the joint celebrations of Purim festival. The audience was entertained by guitarist Karol Kołodziej and violinist Małgorzata Grön. The cheerful melodies played by the musical duo put everyone in a great mood. The festive atmosphere was emphasised by the competition for the most unique Purim costume.
SZCZECIN
The members of the Szczecin branch of TSKŻ were entertained by young actors from the Evangelical Holy Trinity Church in Szczecin, who played the characters from the biblical book of Esther. The youngest performers were accompanied by actress Anna Gielarowska and Rev. Sławomir Sikora, who played the handpan. The Purim gathering would not be complete without traditional sweet treats, which were prepared by Jola Moszkowska and Władysława Boroń.
WARSAW
On the occasion of the Purim holiday, the Warsaw branch of TSKŻ invited its members and supporters to a musical performance at the Babel Club. Actors from the Jewish Theatre performed on stage, lifting the audience’s spirits to the highest level. Each participant had the opportunity to taste traditional sweets and a glass of wine, and everyone also received a holiday gift.
Photo by: Renata Zawadzka Ben Dor
WROCŁAW
On Saturday, 22 March, a Purim festival was celebrated at the Wrocław branch of TSKŻ. The event featured performances by Marta Bizoń, Halina Jarczyk and Aleksander Brzeziński, who are all actors at theatres in Cracow.
ŁÓDŹ
TSKŻ Łódź together with the Jewish Religious Community in Łódź organised the celebrations of Purim Festival. On Thursday, 13 March, guests crowded into the Community’s premises to take part in the concert titled ‘Purimowy zawrót głowy (A Purim Spree) which was performed by Patrycja Zywert-Szypka and Grzegorz Szypek. After the performance, all the guests were treated to traditional refreshments.
CRACOW
All festive events were organised thanks to a grant from the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration.
