A Festive Purim in Metz

We attended a Purim dinner at the Metz Jewish community center last Sunday. The children were in costume, as were some of the adults. Bruno Fiszon, the Grand Rabbi of the Moselle, dressed as a scientist (fitting, as he is also a veterinarian). We enjoyed a nice meal, some sweet kosher wine from Israel, and conversations with those around us - in French and in English.

David was asked to participate in a game where you try to bust the balloon that is tied to your challenger's ankles. David's challenger was Rabbi Bamberger, who heads one of the congregations in Metz. David won and received a silver 10 franc piece!

As there aren't a lot of Americans who visit the Metz synagogue, everyone was happy to welcome us and we were touched by their hospitality.