revival, renaissance, resilience and a well travelled Megillah

As Jewish communities across Belarus gathered to celebrate Purim in 2025, the festival’s vibrant traditions served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and revival of Jewish life in the post-Soviet space. Once nearly erased under decades of repression, Jewish identity and religious practice are experiencing a resurgence, with Purim offering a moment of joy, solidarity, and cultural reconnection. From Minsk to smaller towns with deep-rooted Jewish histories, the holiday’s customary megillah readings and masquerades highlighted not only the enduring spirit of Belarus’ Jewish population but also the broader efforts to reclaim and preserve Jewish heritage in the region.

Purim, one of the brightest and most joyful holidays in the Jewish calendar, commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of an official of the Achaemenid Empire named Haman. This year, the Lech Lecha Minsk Jewish community celebrated Purim on a grand scale, organising a rich programme that united traditions, creativity, and community interaction.

Two weeks before the holiday, the community actively prepared for the festivities. At our Jewish Heritage Centre in Minsk, rehearsals were held for the traditional Purim shpiel – a humorous and dramatic presentation of the events outlined in the Book of Esther – which this year was prepared in video format. Members of the Lech Lecha community, both children and adults, enthusiastically took part, contributing to the script, selecting costumes, and rehearsing dialogues. This collaborative effort brought community members closer together, fostering a warm and supportive atmosphere.

On the day of the Purim celebration, the community gathered in high spirits. The hall was filled with laughter and festivity as participants arrived in bright and creative costumes reflecting the joyous spirit of the holiday. A highlight of the evening was the costume contest, where community members served as the jury, selecting the most original and creative outfits. Prizes were awarded to all participants, adding an extra layer of excitement and inclusivity to the event.

Musical performances played a significant role in the evening’s entertainment. Elena Naumenko, a virtuoso violinist, and her husband Pyotr, a master of the flute, delighted attendees with their talents. Their performance became a jewel of the evening, filling the hall with melodies that created an atmosphere of festivity and unity. Music, like Purim itself, brought people together, spreading joy and positivity.

An integral part of the celebration was the reading of the Scroll of Esther, conducted in a solemn yet animated atmosphere. Every time the name of Haman was mentioned, the hall erupted with noise and laughter, reinforcing the playful and interactive traditions of Purim. This engagement underscored the community’s connection to its heritage and the significance of keeping traditions alive.

This year, the reading was made even more special as it was done from a family Megillah donated by Susan Dawson in London in memory of her late mother, Connie, and father, John Stanton. Susan’s great-grandmother had come to the UK from Orsha in the Vitebsk region of Belarus, and this precious family heirloom had been in Susan’s family for generations. After her mother’s passing, Susan knew that donating it to the Belarusian Jewish community would both honour her mother’s deep respect for her heritage and provide a much-needed resource in a place where Judaica is scarce. Susan entrusted the scroll to The Together Plan who ensured that it reached the community in Minsk. This meaningful gesture ensured that the Megillah would continue to be used in the celebration of Purim, helping to preserve Jewish traditions and strengthen the ties between past and present. Click here to read Susan Dawson’s family story.

Many communities across Belarus found their own ways to mark the occasion. The Polotsk Jewish community, one of the first to receive support from The Together Plan when it became a charity in 2013, also participated in the celebrations. The Sunday school of the Polotsk Jewish community hosted a special Purim event where children learned about the holiday’s history and traditions. Teachers prepared an engaging lesson that included storytelling, discussions on the Scroll of Esther, and interactive games and competitions. The children participated enthusiastically, making the holiday especially memorable for them.

The resurgence of Purim celebrations in Belarus underscores the resilience of Jewish communities, offering an opportunity to reconnect with traditions and embrace cultural heritage. Through creative performances, engaging activities, and the reading of the megillah, these celebrations fostered joy and unity, reinforcing the importance of community life. This year’s Purim was not only a festive occasion but also a chance for communities to strengthen their bonds, share happiness, and create lasting memories.

In a time of rising antisemitism and in a region where Jewish life was once nearly extinguished—both before and after the Holocaust—this revival carries profound significance. The enduring spirit of Belarusian Jewish communities is a testament to resilience and a cause for celebration reflected in the story of Jewish resilience that we read in the Megillah. The Together Plan remains committed to supporting these communities as they reclaim their heritage and continue to thrive.