Bnei Akiva get kosher nightclub for Purim
Religious youth movement offers members appropriate alternative to Tel Aviv's wilder secular parties
The Tel Aviv Bnei Akiva branch is offering its members a "kosher" alternative to the city's many extravagant Purim parties.
The local initiative, led by Noa Gernstein, is being sponsored by the movement's management. "The branch is located at the heart of Tel Aviv's nightlife," a Bnei Akiva member said, explaining that Bnei Akiva wants to give its young members an "appropriate" alternative to the wilder Purim parties being held across the city.
"It's hard to preach to them not to attend the 'secular' parties when there isn’t any good alternative," Gernstein said.
The branch will therefore be transformed into a trendy nightclub with a D.J playing every type of music all provided by a professional production company. However no alcohol will be served and dancing will remain separate for boys and girls.
Bnei Akiva Secretary-General Danny Hirschberg said the movement tries to keep in touch with today's teenagers. He rejected the claim that such a party takes away from the holiday's religious nature. "The challenge is to create a positive and happy atmosphere," he said.
"Our members are looking for places to party. It may just be that they want to have fun but it's our job to take responsibility together with them," he added.
Hirschberg hopes the Tel Aviv initiative will expand to other branches and will see positive input being attached to it.
