Event: Purchase Purim Masquerade Drag Ball, A Mix Up of Jewish and Purchase Traditions

(Left to right) is Freshman Scott Interrante and Sophomore Jamall Blake

Purim: the Jewish holiday that celebrates the liberation of Jews in Persia and is marked by disguises and celebration. Also known as…Costume party? Every college kid loves the getting the chance to ridiculously dress up (Hello, Zombie Prom?). So, Hillel and GLBTU teamed up to present “Purchase Purim: Masquerade Drag Ball” on Saturday which made for a night of drag queen model walk-offs and dancing.

The night began with the retelling of the story of Purim, as performed by some of Purchase’s favorite drag queens. After the performance, the rest of the night was dedicated to dancing and having a good time. When hunger called, you could purchase a chamtaschen (which is a traditional Purim treat) from Hillel treasurer, Elizabeth Hyman, and all the proceeds went to Haiti relief. Hyman also was able to explain the story further to Her Campus, “Haman was royal vizier to King Ahasuerus who wanted to kill the Jews, but the plans were ruined by Queen Esther. Purim celebrates that victory.”

When asked why they decided to team with GLBTU, Hillel member Rebecca Bruckenstein said, “It wouldn’t be a Purchase party without drag queens.” Which we all know is definitely the case for our campus.

The party seemed to have a good number in attendance, but because the walk off was the kick off to the party, many students were disappointed to find the main event had passed by the time they got there. However, that didn’t stop students from dancing into the wee hours of the morning with DJ Alex Palamar.