Each year, Jewish people around the globe celebrated Purim, a holiday commemorating the saving of the Jewish people from genocide at the hands of the Achaemenid Empire detailed in the Scroll of Esther.
The holiday is celebrated by exchanging gifts of food and drink (Mishloach Manot), donating to charity, publicly reciting the Scroll of Esther and daily prayers. Rabbi Eli and Nechama Newman and Prosper student Sophie Gozlan rallied others to bake Hamantaschen, a triangular filled-pocket pastry associated with the holiday, and pack Mishloach Manot for Jewish families in the area.
“I wanted to do something that actually helps the community, not just another party. We’re at the age where it’s time to take responsibility and support each other — especially when so many teens feel isolated,” Sophie said. “Everywhere I looked at the event, nobody was complaining or bored. People were just happy, involved and proud. It gave me hope that we’re building a true community where Jewish teens know they belong.”
Sophie is part of a program at the Chabad of Plano-Collin County called CTeen, where Jewish teenagers come together for fellowship, outreach, Torah study and holiday observances. The teens gathered on March 14 in Plano to celebrate together.
“With all the antisemitism going on, this is the time where you need to surround yourself with a Jewish community,” Sophie said. “For me, there are very few Jews at my school. It’s very difficult to stay strong when you feel so alone. These events, all the CTeen events, are like a shining light for our teens. It allows them to know that they’re not alone, that they have a safe place to go where they can talk about anything and be who they are without worrying.”
She was inspired by childhood memories of packing Mishloach Manot, an event she recalls as the highlight of her year.
“It wasn’t a Purim party, we didn’t make treats or anything. It was simply just making Mishloach Manot for the community, and that was one of my core memories doing that every year. I loved it because you’re doing a good deed, you’re surrounded by the people,” Sophie said. “I think the only surprise reaction was from me. Everywhere I looked in that room, not one sad face. No one was bored, no one was complaining. And I think it shocked me, because I mean, it’s teenagers—you expect at least one or five or ten grumpy faces. But no, everyone was happy and so involved … It gave me hope. It gave me hope that I’m not just doing this for nothing, that I am helping other Jewish teens have a community where they can be happy. Seeing everyone show up and do this together, I felt so grateful.”
“Sophie is embodying the very essence of Purim—that the ultimate response to hate is to embrace your heritage and be proud of who you are,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Chabad Headquarters. “The Rebbe taught that when young people especially, stand strong in their identity, their passion and idealism don’t just uplift themselves—they inspire their peers and transform the world around them”
