metro eleganza boutique Collaborative Purim www.shopeleganzaboutique.com Conservative congregations join to offer a joyous community holiday. UPCOMLA G T TRUNK SHOWS e Ct COLOR YOUR LIFE MARCH 20-21 -22 P. MARCH 6- 248-737-2666 ORCHARD MALL • WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI ORCHARD LAKE ROAD • NORTH OF MAPLE he sounds of the grogger, the sights of costumes and the taste of hamantashen are timeless. They are the foundation of our childhood Purim memories and the traditions we look forward to year after year. This year's Purim celebration will include these traditions, plus one more — community. The Conservative synagogues in West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills will be celebrating Purim together. "As a com- munity, we have come together for Selichot and Tisha b'Av," said Rabbi Steven Rubenstein of Congregation 4k Beth Ahm in West Bloomfield. "I am Rabbi excited to come Rubenstein together for a real celebration. Creating a communal cel- ebration of Purim will add joy to the festive nature of the holiday." In December, Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, Beth Ahm and Congregations B'nai Israel and B'nai Moshe in West Bloomfield decided to partner with each other. As Rubenstein notes, the decision was made in part to have a more joyous holiday. It was also made to showcase the benefits of working together. "By working together, we take advantage of each congregation's strengths, better utilize our commu- nity resources and avoid duplication in programming," said Risha Ring, Beth Ahm president. "I am happy our congregations are able to eliminate the barriers that are often present in our community and work together for the betterment of our community." Purim activities are open to all. A ZOA Hosts Israel Education Workshop ;A 4* SHANGRI-LA AUTHENTIC CHINESE CUISINE 6407 Orchard Lake Road (15 Mile & Orchard Lake) 14 February 27 • 2014 Are you headed to Israel this sum- mer? A youth group trip? A yearlong study program? Join the Zionist Organization of America for an Israel Education Workshop on Sunday, March 2, from 1-5 p.m. at the West Bloomfield JCC. Any middle or high school student participating in the workshop may be eligible to receive a scholarship of up to $1,000 from the Zionist full Megillah reading followed by a dueling piano experience is planned for Saturday, March 15, at Beth Ahm. The next morning, activities at B'nai Moshe will Risha Ring include a Megillah reading, breakfast and carnival. "In the spirit of working together, the Megillah reading will feature readers from each of the participating syna- gogues" said Hazzan Daniel Gross of Adat Hazzan Gross Shalom. Additionally, planning committees with staff and lay leaders from each synagogue have been formed and an open dialogue between the synagogues exists. A highlight of the cross-congre- gational work is the interaction and contribution by teens. Linda Jacobson, executive director of B'nai Israel, said, "Teens from each congregation are involved in the planning and staffing of the carnival. The opportunity for them to interact with each other and work together on behalf of the com- munity is one of the benefits of our communal celebration:' The commandment to celebrate Purim is contained in one of the final verses of the Megillah: "And these days are remembered and celebrated throughout each and every generation, every family, every province and every city. And these days of Purim shall never cease among the Jews" So shall it be true for this year. Purim 5774 will be remembered and celebrated because of its focus on community. ❑ Organization of America-Michigan Region toward the cost of an educa- tional Israel program. Learn about Israel's 3,000 year history, your Jewish heritage, how to advocate for Israel and where to find the best falafel in Jerusalem ... The workshop will include fantastic lecturers, enthralling discussions, a movie, lunch and snacks. For information or to RSVP, call or email Kobi Erez, executive director, at (248) 661-6000 or kobi@mizoa.org .