Jewish Synagogue Visit and Kosher Dinner for the Purim Festival

Date :
6 March 2012, Tuesday
Time :
18:30 Guided tour of Synagogue; 19:30 Dinner
Venue :
1 Robinson Place, 70 Robinson Road, Mid-levels
Cost :
$680 Member; $800 Non-member
Note :
Parking is not available. Security arrangements in the Jewish Club require participants to show HKID or other photo identity document for entry into the premise.
Enquiries :
Sef Lam at [email protected] or call 2525-5063

The Purim Festival celebrates Jewish survival, commemorating the story of how Esther saved the Jews of Persia in 4th century BCE, from an anti-Semitic prime minister, Haman. This story is read during the festival and celebrations include parades, plays, carnivals and a festive meal. Some of the food associated with the feast include challah, a long braided loaf of bread, and kreplach, a triangular shaped bread.

Celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month of Adar, this year's Purim Festival will be held on 7-8 March. The Society is privileged to organize a special visit on the eve of this celebration, to the Ohel Leah Synagogue, named for the mother of Jacob, Edward and Meyer Sassoon. The three brothers, among the earliest Sephardic merchants from India, donated the land; Jacob Sassoon donated the synagogue, designed by Leigh & Orange in Edwardian free classical style, in 1901.

Our visit to the synagogue will start with a short introduction on the history of the Jews in Hong Kong, followed by a tour of the synagogue and the various parts of this complex. We will taste a kosher dinner that includes a variety of vegetarian dishes in memory of Esther, who is a vegetarian. There will also be some meat dishes of fish, lamb and chicken.

Join us for what promises to be an enjoyable and enlightening evening, learning about the history of a distinguish community in Hong Kong!