Recollections of Purim 5761 in Simcha Monica
" That they should celebrate Purim, families, cities and provinces".

So it was at Chabad's Friday night Shabbos meal to Purim. Families came together, people of all walks of life; black-hatters, immigrants, doctors, seniors, artists, blue collars, white collars, teenagers.... the common denominator being- the joy of Purim, Shabbos, our collective Jewish soul.

As people started to come on Friday afternoon, the Megillah was read, followed by exchanging of Shalach Manos and charity to the poor. Tefillin was laid, and then the late-comers who asked for a re-run got it. Then the women lit the candles. All the Purim Mitzvos came to a sublime stop and Shabbos preparations got under way.

"I love the singing, it gives me a chance to follow along so I can practice my Hebrew." Said a boy, who was experiencing this night for the first time. As the davening, conducted in a lively Purim style, came to an end, all were seated at the tables and "Shalom Aleichem" resonated the room.

Rabbi Levitansky explained what was going on and then made Kiddush. Everyone washed for Challah and the fish course was served. Yes, gefilte fish with chrein just as Bubbie used to make it along with delicious salads. Everyone said L'chaim, and then it really began.

We heard stories, sang songs, and the best of all, celebrated in true Purim style. Songs in English, Russian, and Hebrew abounded us. People got off their chairsand let the jpy permeate their whole essence so that even the heels of their feet were dancing.

The chicken soup with kreplach, the chicken and kugel, and not to forget the dessert. When benching was over, they came over one by one , to express appreciation for such a wonderful evening. 

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With a name like Simcha Monica, you could expect that Purim is a big hit here. By the time Purim had come around, "Project 5000'' hit the town, thousands of Jews in town received Shalach Manos packages via mail.

The actual festivities on Purim itself started with the reading of the Megillah, accompanied by a slide show for the children, although many
adults were seen with their eyes glued to the screen. 

Over 200 people attended the Megillah reading, which was followed by a masquerade contest and a Tzivos Hashem rally. The adults enjoyed the break-fast of Hamantashen and juice. 

Throughout the night and day the Megillah was read many more times, in Chabad HOuse, convalescent homes, The Levine Center, as well as in private homes and businesses. There was a special reading in SAMO High. Shalach Manos packages were distributed in these places and many more, bringing the joy of Purim to those who couldn't come out and celebrate.