Readings are traditionally given recounting the events of how Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from a genocide plotted by rulers of the ancient Persian empire 25 centuries ago.
The festival at the Magnolia Court care home in Golder’s Green on Friday was marked by children parading along Golders Green Road in fancy dress.
The elderly residents at Magnolia Court nearby were given their own reading of the Book of Esther by volunteers from Hendon’s local Chabad community group — also in fancy dress.
“Purim is a time of celebration and fun,” Magnolia Court’s manager Cosmin Tiriteu said. “The costumes and the Megillah Book of Esther reading brought much happiness to the home.”
The festival brings the story of Purim to life, read in Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament.
This was followed at Magnolia Court by serving up traditional sweet pastries known as hamentashen.
