The shul was decorated with Purim themes and many creative costumes were worn to add holiday spirit to the festivities. The main attraction was the Youth Chinese Auction, which consisted of many tables for the children to bet on, ranging from $5 to $35. The auction boasted many different packages that everyone could afford. There was an iPod, bicycles, an IPad, a plasma TV, a Hebrew book package, a digital camera, and much more. By having so many packages to choose from, there were many winners. Shaare Shalom also auctioned off a silver megillah.
There were many carnival games to thrill the children. Each child was excited to leave with a prize. A special feature this year was a live hazzanut concert that ran throughout the night for the adults to enjoy. The concert featured Yohai Cohen and his orchestra. Delicious salads, bagels and deserts were served.
It was truly a fun evening, which was enjoyed by everyone who attended. Congregation Shaare Shalom would like to thank the generous sponsors and enthusiastic volunteers. The evening would not have been possible without the tireless effort of Salomon Cohen and Hadas Lindner and her hardworking committee of Sharon Mann, Nicole Oved and Joy Pinedo. Special thanks to Bertha Sabbagh for her artistic talents, creating this years flyer. Thanks to Karen Cohen, Alisa Khoudari, Jeannie Zalta, Miriam and Ike Kairey, David Mann, Deborah Shiloach, and Nat Kraiem for assisting at the event.
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Randi Shomer is a mother of four children, a community member, and a freelance writer.
