Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

The Jewish Pavilion Gala this year will be a festive Purim party on Sunday, March 9 at 5 p.m. at the Westin, Lake Mary. The $100 couvert includes wine, hors d'oeuvres, a gourmet dinner, live music and dancing and a silent and live auction. Costumes are optional. Honorees are Valerie Chestunt from VITAS Innovative Hospice and Eve Homburger.

The Jewish Pavilion staff has planned 50 Purim parties in senior facilities across town. The gala is an extension of their mission to bring Jewish culture, holidays and compassionate visits to our elders in long-term care.

The Jewish Pavilion has coordinated in excess of 500 parties since 2001. Every year, the Jewish Pavilion orders 1200 hamantashen to serve residents in more than 50 senior facilities. Children from the JCC preschool and many area synagogues have made thousands of groggers over the years, so that seniors can participate fully in Purim festivities. For the past four years, VITAS Innovative Hospice has supplied Purim paper goods, masks, hats and beads to make the holiday celebration complete.

A Purim play, written by Cathy Swerdlow, is performed in every senior facility in Orlando where at least one Jewish resident resides. Cast members include Jewish Pavilion staff and volunteers, residents and activities directors. While the play is never rehearsed, it always receives a round of applause.

The Jewish Pavilion's four program directors each schedule more than a dozen parties and schlep the costumes, props, food, party supplies and scripts to each Purim party. While the holiday is utterly exhausting for the program directors, it is exciting and invigorating for residents and volunteers who attend one terrific Purim party annually.

When the Jewish Pavilion Gala committee met to review the success of their event, they decided to change their theme for 2014. It was suggested that instead of a traditional gala, they would hold a Purim Party this year. They found it fitting to select a Purim theme, since Purim is such a fun holiday for the Jewish Pavilion's seniors. Village on the Green, one of the sponsors will provide all the Purim décor. Another sponsor, Coenson Law, will be providing hand-held Purim masks for all gala attendees.

For more information call 407-678-9363 or visit http://www.jewishpavilion.org.