(Courtesy of Chabad of Englewood) This Purim, Chabad of Englewood was filled with celebration, connection and an outpouring of community spirit as hundreds of residents came together to embrace the holiday’s traditions and joy. From house-to-house Megillah readings to grand events that brought in record-breaking crowds, Purim in Englewood was truly amazing.
The Chabad celebrations kicked off Thursday night with a special gathering at the Bergen Community Center, where over 80 attendees enjoyed an uplifting reading followed by a festive break the fast and a dazzling magician’s performance. The main Chabad event took place Friday morning at Space Events in Englewood, drawing a capacity crowd of over 500 people.
The excitement was palpable, with ongoing Megillah readings scheduled throughout the day, and the atmosphere was electric, with a dynamic drum show featuring Brooklyn-based drummers bringing the energy of a Purim chagiga to life. Children and families also enjoyed face painting, arcade games, a photo booth, and classic stadium-style food. Parents, children and individuals alike found a space to celebrate — a testament to the event’s inclusive and welcoming spirit.
“This is what we wait for every year. This is our Purim,” shared one attendee. “An opportunity to fully immerse in the joy of the holiday.”
Yeshiva students from Brooklyn crisscrossed the community to ensure that every Jew in the community, from new mothers to the elderly to the hospital-bound, had the opportunity to hear the Megillah. At the chagiga itself, they reminded attendees about matanot l’evyonim, facilitated mishloach manot, helped with netilat yadaim before the Purim seuda, and even offered the opportunity to don tefillin for those who wished to do so.
Meanwhile, other students visited the Bristal Assisted Living Center, reading the Megillah and distributing beautifully prepared mishloach manot created by Moriah School students. The elderly residents lit up with joy, experiencing the full spirit of simchat Purim.
Finally, the chagiga’s success was made possible through the generosity of 50 community sponsors as well as the ongoing support of Space Events owners James and Elvira Grau, who once again graciously opened their doors for the celebration. The dedication of all of the sponsors in bringing joy to the Englewood community was deeply appreciated.
As the day wound down, a call came in from a Chabad rabbi in northern California: A Jewish family passing through Englewood desperately needed to hear the Megillah. Since most of the yeshiva boys had already returned to Brooklyn, Rabbi Shmuel Konikov called local community member Jordan Katz who within minutes stepped up. Ten minutes after the call, a Megillah reading was arranged — an incredible display of Jewish unity and kindness, all just an hour before Shabbat.
This year’s Purim wasn’t just about events — it was about creating moments of connection, joy and meaning for every participant. Whether through large-scale celebrations or quiet acts of kindness, Chabad of Englewood’s Purim was a beautiful testament to the power of community and the enduring joy of Judaism.
