Strathavon was transformed into a bustling old shtetl for Purim. Over 70 adults and 50 children joined the "Purim in the Shtetl celebrations on Sunday afternoon.
Traditional shtetl food- chicken soup and perogen, stew and apple strudel- was served and the musical accompaniment was good ol'Klezmer (with a few niggunim and "Fiddler on the Roof"" numbers thrown in.
After "Mayor Meyer (a.k.a. the rabbi) opened proceedings with a hilarious spoof on the opening "Tradition" monologue from Fiddler (we also have our traditions in Shtetlhavon, like "what time to come to the brocha" and "How to do a Purim somersault"), the Shtetl entertainment became interactive.
Yenta the matchmaker set out looking for a suitable "catch" for her eligible young maidel. Four candidates had to undergo the gruelling (yet funny) quiz of "Yerachmiel the blood-letter" (Rabbi Avtzon). None of the candidates impressed the shadchan, so they were instead relegated to pole-holders for the wedding of a surprised chosson (Simcha Solarsh) and the shtetl bride (Gulls Solarsh- who had been in on the ploy). The Chalomishe Rebbe presided in his inimitabel way and the chupa was celebrated with approprioate simcha.
Meanwhile, Yehuda Lazarus went all out to provide a smashing programme for the kids- arts & crafts, a jumping castle and loads of fun and good food.
After the formal celebrations ended, our annual Purim farbrengen warmed up and continued until the wee hours of Monday morning.
A special thank you to Naomi and Chaya as well as Hayley, Dani, Gulls and Lauren for producing an authentic Shtetl experience from the food to the decor.