The festivities began on Purim night with a beautiful gathering at the brand-new American Flatbread Company Bowling Alley in Worcester, co-hosted by Central Mass Chabad together with Chabad of Shrewsbury and UMass. The evening opened with a Megillah reading in a private room overlooking Polar Park, followed by bowling and a delicious kosher spread of pizzas and pastas. Over 100 people from across the community joined together to celebrate the start of Purim in a warm and lively atmosphere.
Early the next morning, the visiting bochurim from the Suffield Yeshiva went out across the city bringing the joy of Purim to others—delivering Mishloach Manos and reading the Megillah in nursing homes, offices, community facilities, and private homes, ensuring that even the elderly and homebound could experience the holiday.
By late afternoon a snowstorm rolled into Worcester, but that didn’t stop the celebration. At 5 PM, families began arriving for “Purim in the Safari,” where the shul was transformed into a vibrant safari adventure complete with live animals, a moon bounce, immersive decorations, and activities for all ages. Hosted by Rabbi Mendel and Chani Fogelman of Central Mass Chabad, the event welcomed over 150 people for the festive Purim seudah, catered by Chani’s Kosher Kitchen.
The night concluded with a spirited Chassidishe farbrengen, as the visiting bochurim and members of the community gathered to close out an unforgettable Purim. The safari design and décor were beautifully created by Devorah Leah and Rosie Fogelman.
