TBI performs play for Purim

Congregants at Temple Beth Israel observed Purim Sunday, Feb. 24. The celebration started with a reading of the Megilah, which tells the story of a Jewish girl named Esther who became queen of Persia and thwarted Haman, vizier to the king, who planned to commit genocide against her people.

Following a lunch break, a cast of 16 acted out the story as a play, written and directed by temple member Judy Goldstein. Titled “Princess,” it focuses on young Esther, “Essie,” played by Emma Katz, as she comes of age and prepares for her royal future. Goldstein wrote it as a radio play, similar to the “Little Orphan Annie” show from the 1930s, and incorporated several Broadway melodies in musical numbers.