BRIEFLY IN WORSHIP

Chabad celebrates Purim with disco

Chabad Jewish Center will celebrate “Purim Night Fever,” starting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, with a ‘70s style disco-themed event with a deejay, dancing, arts and crafts, face painting, dinner and a reading of the Megillah with simultaneous slide show at 5 p.m. Chabad is at 30804 S. Coast Hwy.

The holiday of Purim commemorates a time of trepidation and suffering for the Jewish population in the 4th century. The Scroll of Esther, “Megillah” in Hebrew, recounts the tale of Mordechai and his niece, Esther, who were instrumental in the resurgence of Jewish spirit and courage against a plan to annihilate the Jews of Persia. The Jewish population celebrated its good fortune with song, dance and feast.

The four main observances of Purim include gathering in synagogues for the reading of the Megillah, giving charity to the poor, exchanging gifts of food and eating a festive meal. The Purim celebration is open to the community for $10 per person. To attend, call Chabad at (949) 499-0770. For more information, visit www.chabadof laguna.com.