March 13
Greenpoint is home to one of the oldest synagogues in the state. Congregation Ahavas Israel, better known as the Greenpoint Shul was founded in 1886 by German-Jewish immigrants. Since 1903 it’s called 108 Noble Street home. On March 13 Greenpoint Shul will be hosting a block party from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Noble Street will be closed from Franklin to Lorimer.
“The Jewish community has been part of Greenpoint for over 120 years and we can’t wait to invite the entire neighborhood to see our historic synagogue building, eat some Hamantaschen, and celebrate the Purim holiday,” said Rabbi Ben Greenfield.
In brief, the holiday of Purim celebrates standing up for what is right. The story of Purim is set in Persia as the king picks a new wife, Esther, who is Jewish but this is unknown to the king. Her uncle, Mordecai, refuses to bow down to the King’s viceroy, Haman. On discovering Mordecai is Jewish, Haman decides to kill all of the Jewish people in the empire. At personal risk to herself, Esther reveals to the king that she is Jewish and tells of Haman’s evil plot. The king executes Haman and Mordecai becomes viceroy. Hamantaschen are filled shortbread cookies shaped like triangles.
The Greenline 