Student speakers, readings from the Book of Esther, and arts and crafts were central to Elon's celebration
Elon University’s Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life recently hosted its second annual PurimAND celebration, bringing together students, faculty and community members to observe the Jewish festival of Purim while highlighting the rich diversity within both the Jewish community and the broader Elon campus.
The PurimAND event, which took place on March 13 in the Numen Lumen Pavilion, featured reflections on minority experiences, particularly those of the LGBTQIA+ community, through the lens of this vibrant Jewish holiday.
Purim traditionally commemorates the story from the Book of Esther, where Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from persecution in the ancient Persian Empire. The festival is usually marked by customs such as wearing costumes, sharing festive meals, and exchanging gifts of food called Mishloach Manot with friends and neighbors. At Elon, PurimAND embraced these traditions while also fostering an inclusive environment that celebrated the multifaceted identities of participants.
Attendees, many adorned in creative and colorful costumes, listened to powerful stories from student speakers Ahron Frankel, Kayla Swenson and Benji Stern, enjoyed triangular-shaped treats like pizza and hamentashen – the traditional Purim cookies, and participated in arts and crafts activities. There were also plenty of opportunities for learning about the holiday and the ways it is celebrated in different Jewish communities.
Rabbi Maor Greene, associate chaplain for Jewish Life at Elon, reflected on the significance of Purim in relation to contemporary experiences of identity.
“The Book of Esther tells the story of Jewish persecution, resistance, and flourishing in the ancient Persian Empire,” said Greene. “It invites us to consider our own experiences of being Jewish, including being Jewish and whatever other identities we may hold.”
Elon’s PurimAND event not only honored Jewish traditions but also served as a platform for expressing and celebrating the intersectionality of identities within the Elon community. By weaving together cultural customs, traditional religious practice and personal narratives, the celebration underscored the university’s commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of diverse experiences.
Student speaker Ahron Frankel, a multifaith intern working with Elon’s Spirit and Pride Initiative reflected on his own intersectional identities in his remarks. For Frankel, the Purim celebration was not just a way to mark the holiday, but also to educate his peers.
“I am so grateful that I got the chance to share with others what it has been like being ‘JewishAND…’ and how it has impacted the way I go about my life. While there are so many complex identities present at Elon, it still very much is a PWI (Predominantly White Institution), and moments like this allow others to truly learn and reflect. PurimAND reflects what the Truitt Center values most: uplifting and supporting identities of all kinds, truly celebrating those that are multifaceted. I cannot wait to see this event grow in years to come.”
Elon’s Truitt Center is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for all students to explore and express their spiritual, religious and cultural identities. Events like PurimAND exemplify the center’s dedication to creating spaces where every individual can celebrate their unique heritage while building a cohesive and supportive community, and educating students, faculty and staff about the world’s religious, spiritual and ethical traditions.
For Benji Stern, speaking at Purim was a chance to reflect on the collaborative partnerships he is working to form on campus to increase opportunities to connect with students who hold different identities.
“Purim gave me a chance to share why I’m so passionate about creating cross-cultural connections and how our new initiative, the Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity at Elon, will hopefully be so impactful,” said Stern.
Greene further emphasized the festival’s role in providing joy and celebration for minority communities.
“Living as a minority—whether Jewish, queer, or any other minority group—is often hard,” Greene said. “Purim invites us to put a pause on the hard parts of minority experience and to sit back and cut loose. It is a raucous, unapologetic celebration of all of the parts of who we are. And the costumes are fabulous.”