New York’s Gilded Age Purim Balls
In the latter half of the 19th century, New York City’s wealthy German Jewish elite hosted one of the most extravagant and coveted social events of the season — the annual Purim Ball.
Purim
Castle Garden
Castle Garden, also known as Castle Clinton National Monument, has had a varied past. Since its inception in 1808, the sandstone fortress in Manhattan’s Battery Park has been a military fortification, pleasure garden, and America’s first immigration center.
Purim in the Dutch Colonies
In 18th century Suriname and Curacao, Jews, along with Christian and Afro-Caribbean communities, both free and enslaved, celebrated Purim together for a week of debauchery, Carnival style.