Montreal’s Jewish community taking Purim to Hollywood

“Today is the happiest holiday of the Jewish year,” said Rabbi Moshe Krasnianski, director at the Chabad of the Town of Mont-Royal (Chabad TMR).

Considered one of the most joyous and festive Jewish holiday, Purim is an anticipated event by many children and adults in Montreal’s Jewish community. This year, Chabad TMR celebrated the holiday in Hollywood style.

“Every year, we choose another theme to give people an idea of what they can dress up in,” said Rabbi Krasnianski. “A lot of the people are coming as different Hollywood characters, and it’s a chance to just roll out the red carpet, make everyone feel special. It’s just part of the fun.”

As a reference to Hollywood’s Academy Awards, the Chabad is handing out their own awards as a gesture of appreciation to those who came and helped keep the tradition alive in Montreal.

Awards given out to those who attended Chabad of the Town’s Purim in Hollywood event on March 7, 2023. (Photo Credit: Diona Macalinga/CityNews)

The costumes stem from the biblical story of Esther, but according to Rabbi Krasnianski, the act of dressing up has a bigger significance. It commemorates everyday miracles hidden in nature and that Purim is celebrated to appreciate these miracles, as well as bring the community together to celebrate their Jewish identity.

“My favourite part about Purim is to meet new people and make new friends, and see everybody’s costumes,” said one of the young girls attending the event.

There are others who also came for the little things.

“My favourite thing about Purim is the candy and hamantaschen making!” said a younger girl who chose to dress as a fairy for the event.

Albert Suissa is known in the community as best-dressed for every Purim party hosted by the Chabad TMR. This year, he was dressed as ‘Candy Man’ with kids picking off the candies he glued to his costume. For Suissa, it brings him happiness to celebrate Purim and to “give candies for the kids.”

But the Jewish holiday is more than just dressing up and enjoying time with friends and family.

“The theme of the holiday is sharing with each other,” said Rabbi Krasnianski. “We actually give what’s called mishloach manot. We give gifts of food to a friend, at least one or two friends.”

The rabbi adds that Purim is a time for the community to also take care of the poor.

“All these parties that are happening here and around the world is just joy, friendship, positivity,” said Rabbi Krasnianski. “And that’s why people come back with little kids and all ages. They just want to be part of it.”