Temple Beth-El Purim Celebration Will Fund Childhood Cancer Research

For the first time ever, the Purim holiday observance will take on added new meaning this year at Temple Beth-El, 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook.  Fund-raising events will be held in March with the proceeds of Rabbi Helbraun and Rabbi Manewith’s fundraising events going to St. Baldrick’s, a national volunteer charity committed to funding the most promising research to find the cures for childhood cancers and giving survivors long, healthy lives.

“The Purim holiday is recalls the Jewish people’s miraculous deliverance from our enemies 2,400 years ago,” said Rabbi Helbraun, Temple Beth-El.   “On Purim, we read the story of deliverance, found in the Bible’s book of Esther, enjoy a festive meal and celebrate by giving gifts to friends, since our joy is completed by sharing with others.”

“This year we are dedicating a major portion of our Purim festivities to funding childhood cancer research,” said Rabbi Helbraun.  “The St. Baldrick’s Foundation partners with many other non-profit organizations to raise funds, increase awareness and advocate on behalf of kids with cancer,” he added.  Visit: http://www.stbaldricks.org/

Rabbi Helbraun (as well as other Rabbis in the community) is participating in one of the St. Baldrick’s signature head-shaving events in solidarity with kids fighting cancer.  Raffle tickets will be sold for the chance to shave his head to one child (must be between the ages of 5-18 years).