Here comes Purim
Over 300 members of the community participated in Sydney’s Our Big Kitchen first Purim preparation baking 2,500 hamentashen.
Preparing for Purim
The turnout included a large delegation from Rabbi Yossi and Rivky Shuchat’s JEMs (Jewish Education Matters).
Rabbi Dovid Slavin, the Kitchen’s director, told J-Wire: “As well as the hamentashen, hundreds of mishloach manot bags were made and about 150 Purim costumes were hired – those who came and stayed on and had fun”.
Laya Slavin added: “We had arts and crafts , face painting and a BBQ and number of JEMs children went with the clown doctor to the children’s hospital to deliver the mishloach manor, allowing the children to see the great impact their charity work has on other children their age.”
In addition Shula Endrey-Walder of Gift of Life set up a stand to test potential donors to save lives in the search for matching bone marrow donors.
On the Shabbos before the Fair, Rabbi Slavin’s daughter, Chana opened the door of their home to a young couple from Israel who wanted to know where the Jewish back-packers might be. Without a thought, Chana ushered them into the Slavin house and said this is where they would stay.
Rabbi Slavin said: “This couple, Jonathan and Tamar, who live less then 2 KM from the border with Gaza are on holiday from their kibbutz in Israel. They were like a gift from G-d – they became an integral part of OBK’s Purim celebration – helping to decorate the place and run the day. They also looked after a stall which enabled the children to write messages to their kibbutz in Israel. This was a very special addition to the day connecting us with Israel ”
Rabbi Slavin also spoke of the association with JEMS saying:“JEMS has a great grass roots connection with so many young people in the community. They have great capacity to enthuse people to engage in fun Jewish activities. OBK’s skill is providing the infrastructure and organisation to deliver events successfully and professionally”.
He added a special thank you to OBK’s manager Greg Fisher for his tireless efforts that lead to the smooth running of the event.
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