Purim Celebrations Mix Joy With Purpose as Pasadena Chabad Continues Fire Relief Efforts

As Chabad of Pasadena prepares for Purim celebrations this week, the traditional Jewish festival of resilience and charity takes on added significance for approximately 60 families displaced by the devastating Eaton Fire. Rabbi Chaim Hanoka is connecting the holiday’s ancient themes with ongoing emergency relief efforts for affected congregants.

“The message of Purim is kind of a celebration of Jewish resilience and courage in the face of danger,” said Rabbi Hanoka, Executive Director of Chabad of Pasadena. “But the message of resilience is all the more so apropos today after having suffered all the tragedies of eaten fire and people still sadly having a lot of difficulty being out of their homes, not having home, et cetera.”

The two-day celebration begins Thursday, March 13 at 7:15 p.m. with a Megillah reading and festive gathering at the Chabad of Pasadena community center. Activities continue Friday with a children’s carnival from 3:00-5:00 p.m. featuring games, rides, attractions, and a children’s costume parade, followed by a feast at 5:30 p.m.

Traditional foods will be served throughout the celebration, including hamantaschen (triangular pastries), pulled beef sandwiches, and Mediterranean options like falafel and shawarma. Many attendees will wear costumes in keeping with Purim masquerade traditions.

Rabbi Hanoka emphasized that while the festivities are joyful, they incorporate four essential religious commandments. “There are actually four commandments that are meant to be fulfilled on Purim. One is listening to the story, the Megillah, the story of Purim twice… Then another commandment is to eat an actual proper feast… And then to give two prepared food items to another person, active giving food to them. And then to give charity to at least two poor people on per day.”

The carnival will include opportunities for attendees to fulfill these commandments while enjoying the festivities, blending the fun aspects with religious observance.

The Chabad has been actively supporting fire victims through a separate Emergency Fire Relief Fund, providing essentials such as clothing, toiletries, prepared meals, gift cards, and direct financial assistance. These efforts complement Purim’s traditional focus on charitable giving.

“It’s basically a fund that we’ve had trying to assist people who have either lost their homes or have been displaced because of the fire and helping them out. However, we can either financially through food, through gift cards… Plus also financial assistance… And we were able to secure a few grants, giving people thousands of dollars in help poor family,” Rabbi Hanoka explained.

The organization has secured grants to provide substantial financial help to families affected by the fire, with thousands of dollars being distributed to those in need.

The dual focus on celebration and support demonstrates how religious observance can provide both spiritual comfort and practical assistance during challenging times. Rabbi Hanoka connects the holiday’s fundamental theme of transformation with the community’s current struggles.

“God has a master plan through our resilience and courage, I have no doubt that God will ultimately transform, as you put it, this darkness into light. The Light of blessing for the entire world,” he said.

Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s genocidal plot, as recounted in the Book of Esther. The holiday’s rituals emphasize themes of hidden miracles and communal solidarity.

Rabbi Hanoka, who has led the congregation for 30 years, noted the “exponential” growth of the Pasadena Jewish community. He attributed this development to increased programs, innovative approaches, and greater involvement of younger community members, describing the changes over his three decades in Pasadena as “dramatic” improvements.

“Just as light dispels darkness, our collective joy becomes an act of defiance against despair,” Rabbi Hanoka concluded. “Purim represents a transformation of darkness into light.”