In Long Beach, it’s a community Purim at the BACH Jewish Center

The Long Beach Fire Department helped ignite the ruach at BACH Jewish Center’s Purim celebrations by participating in the shul’s annual Megillah reading and community Purim party.

Festivities began with Mincha, where Sam Pinto, Long Beach’s only Jewish professional firefighter, was called to the Torah. He later participated in the ancient tradition of Machazit Hashekel, symbolically counting half-shekel coins to represent the Jewish people.

The celebration continued with a Megillah reading, followed by a party, where members of the Long Beach Fire Department engage with community members. Children from across the barrier island dressed up as firefighters and learned about the department’s operations.

While participants dined, BACH Rabbi Benny Berlin took the stage to present a commemorative plaque to the Fire Department.

“Our sages teach us that our forefathers were counted twice in the Torah — once by half-shekel and once by name,” said Rabbi Berlin, who also serves as chaplain for the Long Beach Police Department.

“The latter shows the value of each individual, and the former, by number, demonstrates the strength of unity.

“How fitting it is that our firefighters joined us in this tradition. Their collective efforts give us peace of mind, knowing that if an emergency arises, they will respond without hesitation. Yet, their individual skills and teamwork on the scene make them so effective.”

The evening served as a poignant reminder of the first responders’ essential role in Long Beach, highlighting the city’s spirit of unity how neighbors come together to support each other during times of challenge or celebration.

The Fire Department’s participation in BACH’s Purim celebration is part of the shul’s efforts to include local heroes in its events.

Founded in 1946 as Bachurei Chemed, the BACH Jewish Center is one of Long Island’s most prestigious and oldest synagogues.

News submitted by BACH Jewish Center.