JERUSALEM (JTA) — An organization working to bridge the gap between the religious and secular in Israel will hold about 250 Megillah readings throughout the country.

Some 58,000 Israelis are expected to participate in the megillah readings sponsored by the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization. It is the sixth year that the group has held the special readings.

The megillah readings will be held in 250 venues throughout the country, including community centers, school gyms and old age homes. Participants will receive a customized Book of Esther which includes  the traditional text, pictures and explanations and where the specific practices of the holiday, including giving charity and sending food baskets, come from. Some of the readings will include dramatizations.

The “Together for Purim” program was inspired by Tzohar’s “Praying Together” Yom Kippur program.

“Our goal, as it has been for the last 20 years, is to help secular Israelis feel less alienated when it comes to Jewish practice and show them that there are many ways to embrace tradition and become involved with one’s Judaism,” said Rabbi David Stav, chairman of Tzohar

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