Marjorie Robinow, chairman of the 18th annual Purim Gala, announced that the theme of Purim Gala 2016 will be what K.C. loves most — Baseball & BBQ. The gala is the annual fundraiser for Congregation Beth Israel Abraham & Voliner.
“One of the commandments of Purim is to celebrate, and this year we celebrate the unity that the K.C. Royals brought to our community,” said Robinow. “We were inspired by their victory and watched 800,000 people join together to celebrate. We hope to ‘play off’ that message at this year’s Gala.”
Festivities will include an appearance by Joel Goldberg, the voice of the Royals.
In the Book of Esther, the protagonist Mordechai stepped forward at exactly the right time to save the Jewish people. Some might see that, in a parallel manner, Royals players stepped forward at the right moments to help the home team achieve its historic victory.
“We know that miracles happen in our lifetime. We just do not always see or recognize G-d’s role in the miracle,” said Robinow. “In the spirit of the Megillah, one might see a hidden miracle in the Royals.”
This event will be held at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 1616 East 18th Street in Kansas City, Missouri.
“This venue highlights the important role of baseball in this town and the roles that many Jews had in the history of baseball,” Robinow said.
“I am excited that we can celebrate Purim, acknowledge the Kansas City Jewish Community’s leadership in popularizing Kosher BBQ, and, of course, applaud the Royals,” said BIAV Rabbi Daniel Rockoff.
Nationally-known Los Angeles-based comedian and storyteller Danny Lobell will be the featured entertainer. Fans (also known as patrons) will be treated to gourmet kosher baseball fare, tours of the museum, and a silent auction featuring many sports memorabilia items from 5 to 7:30 p.m. After dessert, Lobell will perform followed by a brief Gala program. The evening will conclude by 9 p.m.
Invitations to Purim Gala, sponsored by Congregation Beth Israel Abraham & Voliner, will be mailed shortly. Opportunities for sponsorships and ads in the Tribute Journal are available. For more information, to volunteer, or to make reservations for BIAV’s Gala fundraiser, contact Joel Krichiver in the BIAV office at 913-341-2444 or email .
