SUN PHOTO BY SUE PAQUIN

Purim was celebrated at the Chabad Jewish Center in Punta Gorda on Sunday. Purim is a festive Jewish holiday that celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from their enemies in the Book of Esther. People wear masks and costumes, gather and exchange gifts of food and drink, donate to the poor, eat a celebratory meal, and have a public recitation of the Scroll of Esther (megillah). The day’s events also include traditional foods, crafts, and entertainment for the entire family. Here, Dr. Joseph Ravid and his wife, Corinne, attend the celebration with their 2-year-old twin daughters, Olivia and Gabrielle.

SUN PHOTO BY SUE PAQUIN

Ready for a day of celebration are Stanley Merran, Mazol Fernandez, Myrna Fernandez, Max Fernandez and Gabriel Rosenthal.

SUN PHOTO BY SUE PAQUIN

Malcolm Stone and Walter and Michelle Rosenthal are ready to celebrate and have a good time with friends and family.

SUN PHOTO BY SUE PAQUIN

Ben Yurkovitch, dressed as a fireman, is ready to play some games with friends as his mother, Keren, holds Ben's sister, Lia.

SUN PHOTO BY SUE PAQUIN

Bob and Gila Case join friends for the days celebration.

SUN PHOTO BY SUE PAQUIN

Paul and Rona Rothschild look forward to celebrating Purim.

SUN PHOTO BY SUE PAQUIN

Joanie and Harold Lang spend time with friends during the celebration of Purim.

SUN PHOTO BY SUE PAQUIN

Gabriel Rosenthal looks on as Gershan, Yosef and Mendel Jacobson read to the audience prior to Megillah reading.