Bensonhurst JCH Draws 700 Neighbors For Purim Spiel

The Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst (7802 Bay Parkway) held their popular annual Purim Carnival last Sunday afternoon. This year, the themed “Purim Spiel” incorporated a live theatrical performance and drew close to 700 locals to celebrate this festive Jewish holiday, almost double that of last year.

Program Director of Leadership Development Michael Abdurakhmanov was the emcee at the carnival and said that turnout at the event trumped all expectations. A popular photobooth, costume contest, and hamantashen stand greeted event-goers inside the adorned first-floor gymnasium.

Alena Gomulina, the director of community engagement and communication at the JCH, said that this strong turnout was likely a result of complimentary admission.

“We started having these events for free after [Superstorm] Sandy. We’ll take a small loss if it means benefitting the community,” Gomulina said.

Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from the wicked villain, Haman, in the days of Queen Esther of Persia. Boys and girls wear costumes as part of the celebration.