- March 4, 2026
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Adrianne, Noah and Aaron Roth wore Brazilian jerseys to the celebration.
Mendy Konikov read the Purim story to attendees.
Brandon, Noah and Gabby Naidus attended the event as family.
Orrin, Hannah, Melanie and Hailey Smith sat and enjoyed the food, refreshments and entertainment.
Leonardo and Deborah Gabbay brought their son, Noah Gabbay, to enjoy the celebration.
The Silberstein family were happy to be there.
Michelle and Adi Goodman enjoyed the Purim story and the delicious foods.
Breakdancers performed at the event bringing high-energy and fun.
John Parron, Omri Ran, Hanan Ohayon, Ariel Mindell and Joel Guttman chatted and enjoyed the refreshments.
The children played with each other during the event.
Michelle Preiser, John Parron, Aaron Stein, Karen Hamlin and Lori Mauer enjoyed some food while chatting at their table.
Sasha and Daniel Helfgott were excited about the event.
Leba Altschul and Mushka Fajnland had fun with Shua Konikov.
Yaarit and Omri Ran was one of many couples enjoying the Purim holiday.
The Chabad of Winter Garden, recently brought to the community by Rabbi Mendy and Sheina Konikov, hosted a Purim celebration Tuesday, March 3.
Purim is a holiday celebrating the salvation of Jews from a mass killing in ancient Persia, modern-day Iran, as recounted by the Book of Esther, also known as the Megillah.
Hundreds of people gathered at the event to chat, celebrate the holiday, eat good food and have fun.
The theme for this year’s event was “Purim in the Stadium,” where people attended in sports costumes.
Costumes are a tradition for this holiday, signifying God being hidden, making the miracle seem almost within nature, Mendy Konikov explained.
“We don’t see God coming down from heaven and giving Ten Commandments, but we realize that it’s really God behind everything,” Mendy Konikov said. “We have to remember that if we are in a certain place, that means we’re here for a reason.”
Attendees also enjoyed breakdancers, a modern photo-booth and loads of good music.
Mendy Konikov wants the dozens of children who attended the event to know they shouldn’t be ashamed to be Jewish.
“This is who we are,” he said. “…We shouldn’t bow down to the evil forces. …We just have to show the world what it means to truly be Jewish and live in God’s ways."