Purim Smart Gala Dinner, 25 February 2021

The world premiere of an innovative event: a Gala Dinner via Zoom to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim!It initially began as an idea to step outside the usual format of in-person dinners and to overcome the sense of isolation we have been experiencing, unable to meet or take part in shared meals. The result was a great success, which led us to share the full video of the evening—an experience we hope will be repeated in various forms for as long as the pandemic continues.

Around 80 people took part in the event (60 in Milan, with dinner delivered to their homes, and 20 elsewhere in Italy). Participants were welcomed by opening remarks from Itzik Molho, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ido Bruno, Director of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, and Gianluigi Benedetti, the Italian Ambassador to Israel.

With our thanks to all those who attended, we are sharing here the video of the evening (currently public, but soon accessible only to holders of Members’ Area login credentials). We would especially like to thank the Museum staff, including Daisy Raccah-Djivre and Gioia Perugia of the Mandel Wing, who created a video for us on Purim and its history, as well as the AIMIG Board and all the members and prospective members who took part.

Our thanks also go to Michelin-starred chef Giancarlo Morelli and his team, who prepared the dinner by masterfully interpreting traditional Purim recipes—not least the “Haman’s Ears” (a shortcrust pastry filled with exquisite jam)—and to the Milan-based company GoVolt, which handled meal deliveries to all homes, ensuring timely service.