hamantashen & PURIM
Order Hamantashen
KI offers its congregants the opportunity to share the joy of Purim by giving others Mishloah Manot gift bags filled with our own KI-made hamantashen. Mishloah Manot describes the mitzvah of exchanging gifts of food during the holiday of Purim. Anyone may also purchase hamantashen by the dozen.
The order deadline for this year was January 31, 2023.
Purim Concert
KI Band Celebrates Jerry Garcia for Annual Purim Concert
Here's a link to the recording and a link to the program book!
On Saturday March 4, 2023, the Knesset Israel Band returns for its 14th annual Purim musical costume. This year the band will be covering the music of Jerry Garcia. Garcia is most well-known as a founder member and lead-guitarist / vocalist of The Grateful Dead. His body of work also includes many popular Motown and rhythm & blues arrangements with The Jerry Garcia Band and an incredible bluegrass repertoire with David Grisman and Old and in the Way.
The KI Band will tell the story of the Megillah with new lyrics to some classic Jerry Garcia arrangements. You’ll hear bluegrass classics like ‘Midnight Moonlight’ and ‘Wild Horses,’ Jerry Garcia Band arrangements of ‘Tangled Up In Blue’ & ‘How Sweet It Is,’ and of course Grateful Dead classics including ‘Friend of the Devil,’ ‘Uncle John’s Band,’ ‘Casey Jones’ and much more!
This incredible musical and community event will include snacks and beverages. The concert will begin at 7:30 pm. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Come in costume, bring some friends, and be sure to wear your dancing shoes!
“We have been waiting 14 years to tackle the music of Jerry Garcia” said Jonathan Denmark, founder of KI’s Purim musical costume. “The catalogue of music is incredibly vast, but we are excited to bring some of the most well-known arrangements to the wider community”. Denmark continued, “This concert is going to be so much fun, and will include something for everyone, from well-known covers to classic licks that the Deadheads will love!”
Purim Dinner, Service and Megillah Reading
On Monday, March 6, Knesset Israel resumes this ridiculously fun annual tradition. Dinner (free of charge) is at 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP through knessetisrael.org or by calling (413) 445-4872. Maariv & Megillah Reading will be held at 6:15 p.m. Costumes are encouraged for all. Hamantashen and Ice Cream Dessert follow.