Celebrating Purim at Columbia

Purim, which was celebrated this year on March 24, is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the continuity and strength of the Jewish people. The day centers around simcha, or Jewish joy, and is commemorated through reading the Book of Esther, a story of Jewish survival in the face of persecution, enjoying festive parties while dressed in costumes, exchanging gifts, and participating in acts of service. Both Columbia/Barnard Hillel and Chabad at Columbia University hosted events throughout the weekend for the community to celebrate Purim. 

On March 20, Hillel kicked off the holiday with a pop-up on campus to decorate masks, and, the next day, hosted a masquerade dance at the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life. On March 22, Hillel students baked hamantaschen, a traditional Purim cookie filled with raspberry jam, apricot jam, or Nutella.

On the actual night of Purim, students packed into the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life and the Chabad House in costumes ranging from cowboys, rockstars, cartoon characters, and even members of the Columbia Women’s Basketball team! In addition to Orthodox and Conservative readings, both the Kraft Center and Chabad hosted Purim parties. The next day, the Jewish communities held a reading of the Megillah with bagels, pizza, pasta, and a barbecue. 

Needless to say, the Hillel and Chabad Purim events brought much simcha to the Columbia community!