Jewish congregation celebrates Purim

On Friday, Feb. 19, Congregation Etz Chaim of Ramona will celebrate the holiday of Purim with services at a member’s home. Rabbi Leslie Bergson, assisted by Cantor Mary Baron, will lead the festivities.

The Purim story is in the Book of Esther and could as easily take place in modern times instead of 465 B.C. Esther was a Jewish beauty queen who won the heart of the King of Persia and then, because of her influence, was able to save her people from destruction.

A special treat during Purim is hamantashen, a pastry shaped like a three-cornered hat that is filled with fruit, poppy seeds, cheese or chocolate bits. Another specialty is kreplach, triangular-shaped pouches of dough, similar to wonton, filled with ground meat and served in soup.

In addition to celebrating Purim, there will be the naming of two children. Michael Louis Hamburger and Madalena Helen Lourenco will be given Hebrew names, an ancient custom intended to memorialize beloved deceased relatives.

For directions to the celebration, call 760-789-2781.