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The young Europeans the Holocaust memorial located Judenplatz in central Vienna.
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VIENNA----500 young European Jews aged 18-35 from 30 countries participated last weekend in Vienna in a “Purim on the Rocks” event.
The charm of Vienna, exquisite Intercontinental hotel, and vivacious group of young international Jews fashioned a splendid setting for “Purim on the Rocks” weekend organized by the European Center for Jewish Students (ECJS).
Exclamations of reuniting friends and slightly more sedate greetings of new comers welcomed participants in the posh hotel lobby under the glittering chandeliers. The program commenced with ice skating in the Vienna Skating Club with expert skaters and wobbly newbies cheered on by those who chose to watch.
Friday evening, the playful atmosphere became more proper in honor of Shabbat. Dr. Michael Kigel, dean of the Jewish learning program at Lauder Business School in Vienna, led an entertaining talk about the excessive nature of Purim amid much joking and laughter.
The gourmet Shabbat dinner was followed by an ECJS social dessert reception lasting into the early hours of the morning.
Shabbat day services were followed by “An Open Ditch in the Heart of Humanity” a well-received lecture by Sara Ives, co-director of ECJS, about embracing our Jewish identity with pride. A guided tour of Vienna center included stops at the Opera House, Winter Palace, Hero’s Square, Kohlmarkt, and Der Graben where one and all marveled at the classic beauty of the city.
The Purim atmosphere exploded with fun on Saturday night. While reading the Scroll of Esther the hall was filled with booing of Haman every time his name was mentioned.
The costumed dinner included spontaneous cop and robber chases with those dressed the part. When Zevi Ives, London born executive director of ECJS, dressed as Prince of Egypt announced the 30 participating countries the entire group cheered for Israel and laughed when Ireland was announced and one enthusiastic shout was heard from the single proud Irish participant.
The following day, after visiting Judenplatz with its holocaust memorial, Stadttempel (historical Synagogue) and the Jewish museum, the Purim festivities continued. A second enthusiastic Scroll of Esther reading, Purim seuda (festive meal), charity set aside for poor and food gift packages were exchanged between participants.
“To be honest, I found the Vienna event one of the best ECJS events...and I am not saying that just because I am the biggest fan of ECJS” said Ylenia Tagliacozzo a participant in more than 10 ECJS events.
She is currently the ECJS representative in Rome. Ylenia brought 15 other Italians with her to the event who all had a wonderful time.