Purim Association

Purim Association (1862-1902)

In the January 13, 1860 issue of the Jewish Messenger, Myer S. Isaacs, co-editor of the paper, submitted an editorial which stated that "Purim should be selected as the occasion of a good fancy dress ball, the proceeds to be donated to charity." Isaacs' idea, based on the traditional Purim ritual of giving gifts to the poor and the influence of the Italian carnival from medieval times on fancy dress and costume, served as the stimulus for the founding of the "Purim Association of the City of New York" which lasted from 1862-1902. 1 Although the 1870s and 1880s were the most active years of the Association's existence, its early success can be attributed to the effective leadership of Isaacs, who subsequently served as its first president. Isaacs was not only the co-editor of the Jewish Messenger, but a lawyer and judge committed to Jewish communal work and the municipal affairs of New York City. 2

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