Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch to celebrate Jewish holiday of Purim Italian style

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- "Purim Italiano" is Chabad of Bradenton's creative twist to this year's 11th annual community Purim celebration at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 24.

The event will feature an Italian-themed auction and a tribute to the Italian-Jewish mother.

Participants will enjoy an Italian-themed dinner, Italian entertainment and auction, hamentaschen (traditional Purim pastries), comedy with the Rabbi And Cantor, and children's Italian-theme crafts as well as a child friendly reading of the biblical scroll of Esther.

Participants are encouraged to come in Italian-themed costumes for the Italian Masquerade, which will award prizes to contestants with the most innovative or funny costumes. All are welcome regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. To help cover expenses, guests are requested to pay $15 adult, $10 per child (3-12). Seating is limited and payment at the door is $20 adult and $15 per child. Program sponsorship is $250.

This event is a project of the Jewish Women's Circle of Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch.

Other Purim events:

11 a.m.-noon Sunday, March 20, Purim Musical and Masquerade Party by Chabad High School students. A masquerade, Purim refreshments and activities. Admission is $5, and free to CHS Students and families.

8 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, Megillah Reading and Purim in the 1960s, dress in your groovy sixties outfits, music, refreshments and L'Chayim, free.

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch to celebrate Jewish holiday of Purim Italian style ."