Jewish Students of the Euro-Asian Region Celebrate Purim

Jewish student organizations, operating with the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, celebrated Purim 2020 in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

The international Jewish organization Hillel CASE, operating with the support of the EAJC, brought together student centers from Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Azerbaijan for a Purim carnival.

The Minsk Jewish Student Center "Hillel," in cooperation with the Nativ Israeli Cultural Center, hosted a painting masterclass in an authentic artist's studio decorated specifically for Purim. Inspired by the exceptional atmosphere, the participants painted outstanding canvases depicting the ancient history of the most joyful Jewish holiday.

Additionally, a Purim post office service was launched at Hillel Minsk. Partnering with the Jewish Volunteer Movement, volunteers from Hillel conducted a masterclass for children from the Jewish Family Support Center. The children crafted handmade Purim gifts, which were subsequently delivered to recipients by special Purim couriers during the holiday.

For Purim, Hillel Kyiv traditionally operates temporary Purim bakeries where youngsters bake traditional Hamantaschen. This year, over 250 handmade Hamantaschen were baked and delivered the following day as gifts to the beneficiaries of the Chesed Shaare Tikva Center.

Hillel Odessa hosted guests for a 1920s-style Purim party featuring live music, a carnival, quizzes, contests, dancing, and games. The Odessa students dutifully fulfilled all Purim commandments and enjoyed the celebration to the fullest.

Hillel Kharkiv selected an elegant 1960s theme for its carnival. The evening opened with a traditional Purimshpiel, specifically a modern musical adaptation of the classic Purim story written and performed by the students. This was followed by the annual Hillel Purim Hype Awards. Furthermore, the student musical Purimshpiel was performed for the beneficiaries of the Chesed Shaare Tikva Center as a festive gift.

For the students of Hillel Baku, the holiday was memorable not only for its costumes, treats, and music, but also for the rabbinical blessings and the strong sense of unity within the Baku Jewish community.

All Purim initiatives of the Russian Union of Jewish Students (RUJS) were made possible through the support of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.

A rock-and-roll-themed Purim party was hosted by the Chaverim Jewish Community at Lomonosov Moscow State University, with the participation of the Russian Union of Jewish Students (RUJS) and the MSU Jewish Club. Students from MSU and other Moscow universities gathered to hear a rabbi's discourse on the history and customs of the holiday, and to raise a traditional L'chaim toast.

The Russian Union of Jewish Students (RUJS) and the Union of Israeli Students (Jewish Club) of MGIMO organized a meeting with Rabbi Alex Artovsky, who discussed the historical significance and traditions of Purim. An engaging discussion followed, concluding with a quiz where active participants received prizes.

The Jewish Club of Saint Petersburg State University, in cooperation with the Russian Union of Jewish Students (RUJS), organized a Purim celebration for local youth. The event began with an educational presentation on the history and spiritual meaning of Purim. As part of the program, students participated in a Hebrew calligraphy workshop, played "Mafia," competed in a themed quiz, and took part in a best costume contest.

From March 9 to 15, Hillel Russia hosted several Purim carnivals supported by the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. Masked parties, intellectual quests, dance, and karaoke battles brought together Jewish youth across seven Russian cities. For many participants, the Hillel Russia events offered their first experience celebrating Purim.

In Moscow, young people celebrated "Neon Purim" at the Garage Club, featuring a light show, a quest to find the Scroll of Esther, dancing, and prize draws. In Saint Petersburg, the "Noah's Ark" Purim carnival gathered youth dressed as biblical figures. In Yekaterinburg, a space-themed "Purim Party" included a laser tag tournament and a virtual reality gaming challenge. In Khabarovsk, participants of a "Wild West" carnival competed in an