Jugglers, bands celebrate Purim

Locust Walk came alive Monday night as fire jugglers, a Mummers band and other musicians paraded toward Houston Hall in celebration of Purim. The festivities kicked off the Steinhardt Jewish Heritage Program's "Planet Purim," a holiday which commemorates the Jews' victory over Haman's plot to destroy them in ancient Persia 2,300 years ago. On Purim, Jews everywhere eat, drink and read the Megillah -- the "scroll of Esther" that tells the Purim story. "We want to create venues so that people can celebrate their Jewishness in a social setting, a non-threatening setting," said Rabbi Menachem Schmidt, the Steinhardt Program's founder. The Mummers' Italian-American String Band, along with another smaller band, played party tunes as the parade moved down Locust Walk from Superblock. According to Rabbi Ephraim Levin, Steinhardt's director, the parade's participants hoped to make students aware of the celebration. Interestingly, the Mummers, decked out in spangled hats and jackets, did not know why they had been hired to appear. "We were just hired to come here and play," string band President Len Tenuto said. "I don't even know what it's for." But the parade succeeded in forging awareness and a sense of unity among onlookers. "Just the use of an Italian-American group on a Jewish holiday is great," said Margi Ide, a staffer at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The contingent stopped at the Quad, forcing each of the nearly 60-member troupe to sign in. Although the process delayed the start of festivities that were scheduled to take place in Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge, it did not break the onlookers' spirits. "I'm so excited," College freshman Julie Marx said. "This is a great way to make people aware of Purim." The hundreds of students who filled Bodek Lounge found casino gambling, refreshments and performing group s awaiting them. Proceeds from the gambling benefitted Operation Understanding and Children of Chernobyl. Levin noted that Steinhardt is "trying to mix community service attitudes with the tradition of the holiday." And Steinhardt Fellow Stephen Zelcowicz explained that "Planet Purim" provided an alternative to more religious Purim celebrations. The event took an unusual turn with the reading of the traditional Megillah. The Disco Biscuits, a student band, told the story of Purim through song, cranking up their instruments each time Haman's name was mentioned. The evening culminated with performances by Mask and Wig, Off the Beat and Pennsylvania 6-5000. Although the four recent Israeli bombings could have put a damper on the event, organizers tried to maintain an upbeat tone. But "Planet Purim" was interrupted several times with moments of silence. "The bombings won't override the public event, but on an individual level, they may have restrictions," Levin said. "Purim is a time to strengthen Jewish ties to tradition and foster the idea of survival." But College sophomore T.J. Rubin questioned the joyful atmosphere in light of the tragic events. "I feel very uncomfortable celebrating with the recent bombings," Rubin added.

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