UNC Asheville's Student Jewish Group Hosts Purim Celebration

The scent of homemade Hamantashen cookies and sounds of live music and stories from the Torah will fill the air during UNC Asheville’s “Purim Bash.” This family-friendly event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union Alumni Hall. It is sponsored by UNC Asheville’s Jewish student group, Western North Carolina Hillel.

Considered one of the most entertaining Jewish holidays, Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Persian Jews from annihilation, as recorded in the Book of Esther. Traditional rites of celebration include food, music, dressing in costume, storytelling and giving to charities.

The UNC Asheville event will highlight these traditions with a variety of carnival booths and raffles. Guests can make Hebrew nametag key chains, indulge in massage and reflexology treatments and eat homemade Hamantashen cookies. Other events scheduled for “Purim Bash” include performances by belly dancers, a costume contest, live music and storytelling.

Tickets are required to participate in booth games and crafts. Guests may purchase four tickets for one dollar. In addition, canned food donations can be exchanged for tickets. In the spirit of the holiday, all cash proceeds will be donated to the local United Way, while food donations will be given to Manna Food Bank.

For more information call UNC Asheville’s Center for Jewish Studies at 828/251-6411.

Media Contacts:

• Dr. Richard Chess, UNC Asheville Center for Jewish Studies Director, 828/251-6576
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526