PURIM 2026 at UALBANY!
Turns out that this year’s Purim 5786/2026 comes against a most historic and momentous backdrop unfolding in real-time in Iran (Persia). We are in the middle of this current story, but already have seen tremendous turnarounds against mortal enemies of our people. May we share much good news, and see much continued blessings, turnaround and breakthroughs globally, communally and personally!
3/2: MONDAY, TAANIT (FAST OF) ESTHER
For those fasting it’s a daytime fast that concludes with the Megillah. We will have some break-fast food and nosh at the Purim event.
3/2: MONDAY NIGHT, PURIM NIGHT – “A REVOLUTIONARY PURIM!”
6pm Megillah reading followed by activities, booths and festivities in the CC West Multipurpose Room – all with a commemorative revolutionary flourish! There’ll be wax seals, a vintage photo-booth, stamp-act, Hobby-Horse Paul Reverse races, corn-hole, and more!.
All in costume (any costume!) get a little something extra, and best costumes or pairs win prizes. Not in costume? Still very welcome, of course!
Even if you can’t come by for long, stop by for Purim spirit!
Why a Revolutionary Purim? This 2026 year is part of the 250th year commemoration of the American Revolution. And the Megillah is a story of a dramatic turnaround, the gragger spins, a revolution, indeed!
For those who can’t make the 6:15pm Megillah we’ll also have a later reading towards the end of the event in the Campus Center Multipurpose Room at 8:15pm.
3/3: PURIM DAY
We’ll have an early morning Megillah Reading at Shabbos House, 8am before classes begin.
Purim Tabling 12pm-3pm in the LC’s. Stop by if you’re around.
Last Megillah reading 5pm (have to get it in before sunset!) followed by a delicious festive Purim feast at Shabbos House starting approx 5:30pm. This Purim feast is a non-class-style informal spirited continuation of Torah-Tuesday series of “From Redemption to Redemption!” A meat meal of pepper-steak and more will be served.
ABOUT THE MITZVOT & CUSTOMS OF PURIM:
There are 4 Mitzvot of Purim (in Hebrew they all begin with letter Mem: Megillah, Mishloach Manot, Matanot L’Evyonim, & Mishteh).
1) To hear the Megillah read twice: once by night and again once during daytime of Purim
2) To give gifts of food to at least one fellow Jew (to enhance their Purim)
3) To give some charity to the poor. You can give to someone in need, via an org of your choice, or you can also give via Shabbos House at shabboshouse.org/donate (please specify “Purim Fund”) and we will allocate it on your behalf.
4) To enjoy a festive spirited Purim Meal on Purim Day. It can start on Purim Day and continue into the night that follows (as we will do here).
See much more about Purim at the Chabad.org/Purim mini-site. Lots of material there!
Customs of Purim include:
1) Dress-up and costume. G-d is hidden in the Megillah Story. It takes some seeking to realize the miracle hiding within nature.
2) Hamantaschen Cookies. Here’s some inspiration and background we shared about these cookies over the years.
3) Graggering Haman’s Name. May we stamp out evil and hatred! Amen!
SHABBAT 360 IS COMING UP – MARCH 6TH!
Please RSVP and spread the word! Let’s bring friends to fill the Ballroom with Shabbat 360 spirit! Your RSVP reserves your preferred t-shirt-size. Each attendee needs their own RSVP. And each RSVP is an entry to win gift cards!
This year’s Shabbat 360 will be March 6th in the newly renovated UAlbany Ballroom, on the Friday after Purim, the last Shabbat before Spring Break. Every year there’s a theme and a t-shirt. This year we’re going with a twist on the X-BOX 360 logo, twisting that X into an Alef which stands for Albany (in Hebrew). Indeed, Shabbat is the ultimate Savepoint! This annual event is a partnership of Shabbos House, UAlbany Hillel and other campus orgs. please use this Shabbat 360 form to RSVP and your preferred green tshirt size.
May we all have a very joyous Purim! May we find the many hidden miracles! May there be much positive turnaround in our lives!
Love,
Mendel and Raizy
Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center