- March 3, 2026
Accordianist Jimmy Horzen plays at Chabad of Palm Coast's Purim in Paris celebration at the Palm Coast Community Center. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Rabbi Levi Ezaqui introduces the reading of the book of Esther. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Batsheva Ezagui and Eva Lieberman. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Jenny and Sergey Saknovsky. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Jenny Saknovsky, Sergey Saknovsky, Laura Daniel and Simha Pinchasov. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Chabad of Palm Coast’s Purim in Paris celebration on Monday, March 2, took participants to another time and place.
Celebrants dressed like Parisians, listened to the reading of the biblical book of Esther from a megillah, or scroll, in Hebrew, and danced and partied at the Palm Coast Community Center.
The story of Purim, which was celebrated this year on March 2-3, takes place in ancient Persia. The evil Haman, an advisor to King Ahasuerus, plotted to kill the Jews. But his plans were foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin, Mordecai.
Every time Haman’s name is mentioned in the reading of the book, it is drowned out by noisemakers.
Rabbi Levi Ezagui said Purim is more relevant now than ever, because ancient Persia is present-day Iran.
“Haman was an evil man, but we prayed to God and we prevailed,” Ezagui said.
