Synagogue lets action
figures tell the tale

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Time capsules usually include inanimate objects representing a certain era in history.
But the time capsule erected in the parking lot of the Congregations Shaare Shamayim on Sunday contained some truly lifelike components.
As part of their annual Purim festival, members of the Bustleton synagogue dressed as figures from the ancient town of Shushan and emerged from a large shed to reenact the story of the holiday.
Also on hand were Mummers from the Fralinger String Band, who played festive music to accompany the performance.
"This time capsule is thought to be 2,500 years old!" said congregant Barry Pogach, who narrated the lively story for guests.
Purim commemorates the Jews’ major victory over oppression in the city of Shushan. The story is contained on the Megillah in the biblical story of the Book of Esther.
Shaare Shamayim members dressed in costume and acted out the story of Queen Esther, her cousin Mordechai, King Ahasuerus of Persia and Hamen, the king’s adviser and the tale’s villain.
Esther is the heroine in the story who tells the king of Haman’s plan to exterminate all the Jews. The king instead has Haman hanged. The performance culminated in Haman leading Mordechai out of the parking lot on a live horse to symbolize Haman’s downfall.
Dressed up as princesses and other characters, a common tradition on the holiday, congregants and youngsters gathered outside for the performance. Inside, tables including games, prizes and refreshments lined up along the walls.
Shaare Shamayim usually goes over the top in celebrating holidays, often attempting to break world records as part of the festivities. During the synagogue’s 2002 Purim festival, it broke a world record by baking the largest hamantash, a triangular, filled pastry. The perimeter measured 60 feet.
Last year, the synagogue created a 15-foot-by-4-foot chocolate Megillah, the scroll on which the story of Purim is recorded.
"The tradition during Purim is to have a Purim spectacle," said Jacques Lurie, director of the synagogue. "It’s a joyous holiday. It serves an educational purpose." ••
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com