An Evening of Song, Storytelling, and Inspiration

Thiswinter, Rabbi Mendy Piekarski of Chabad of Topanga will offer ”Judaism: The Soundtrack,” for an evening of immersive musical experience, featuring Jewish Chasidic melodies, fascinating narratives, and motivational messages brought to Topanga by the acclaimed Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI).

On Thursday, March 23rd, at 7:30 pm, participants will discover the enthralling world of Chasidic melody and the deep spiritual meaning behind its tunes. Inspiring visuals, captivating stories, and rousing songs will work in harmony with Chasidic wisdom to create a spectacular production that will touch the heartstrings and elevate the spirit.

“These Chasidic melodies are like no other,” Rabbi Mendy Piekarski of Chabad of Topanga, told The Canyon Chronicle. “They tell a soul-stirring story about life’s purpose and what truly matters in this world. There is so much that can be learned from these moving tunes and I look forward to sharing these transformative teachings with residents of Topanga.”

Contact Rabbi Mendy Piekarski at: 310-455-1597; ChabadofTopanga.com for registration and other event-related information.

—Rabbi Mendy Piekarski

numbers on the barracks where the Jews stayed at night. He now had the remaining ink to write a Megillah.

A friend had brought a small siddur into the camp as well, from which he was able to copy down the megillah word for word. He worked on the scroll for a few months, despite the harsh conditions and near-constant threat of discovery. Finally, the Megillah was completed, just in time for Purim. Rav Schwartz organized a small gathering of fellow Jews and led them in a reading of the Megillah. It took place late at night, huddled in the corner of one of the barracks. It was a moment of profound joy and celebration, as the prisoners found strength and inspiration in the ancient story of Esther and the survival of the Jewish people.

After the war, Rav Schwartz was one of the few survivors of Buchenwald. He brought the Megillah with him to Israel, where it became a cherished relic of Jewish history and a testament to the strength and resilience of the Jewish people in the face of unimaginable adversity.

So, can one celebrate Purim even in the hard times of life? Yes. Even in prison? Yes. Does it take courage, commitment, and determination? Also, yes. Sometimes circumstances in life aren’t joyous or happy, yet we can still react and control our feelings to celebrate the joy of Purim. Let us remember the story of Rav Schwartz and the prisoners of Buchenwald as an example of how the human and Jewish spirit can overcome even the darkest of times. Let’s celebrate this Purim together with even more joy, despite many hardships that may be going on in the world.

Let the joy of Purim usher in the time, when the world will be a truly happy place for all mankind.

Wishing you a meaningful and joyous Purim.