"In part, it commemorates the theme of 'hidden,' (as in the biblical study of Esther)," said Rabbi Reuven Goldstein, who presided over the festivities. "We also wanted to bring awareness to all Jewish people living in Cupertino."

Goldstein moved to Cupertino six months ago from Brooklyn, N.Y. to launch the city's first chabad center. Previously, the city had no formal Jewish house of worship.

"There has been an outpouring of interest," said the center's program director, Gitty Goldstein, who is the rabbi's wife. For the moment, the Chabad Jewish Center of Cupertino subsists on donations and operates out of rented space at De Anza College.

The center's escalating popularity was evident at the Quinlan Center on March 24.

More than 70 area residents turned out for the Purim festivities, which included a mix of fun and tradition.

In the book of Esther, a young woman living in Persia, saves her people from persecution by temporarily hiding her Jewish faith. In addition to costumes, the Quinlan Center events included a reading of the Megillah (the book of Esther), traditional mezuzah prayers written by a Torah scribe, and kosher foods (following a day of fasting).

"It's the best holiday for children," said a Sunnyvale resident who had recently moved to the area from Israel. As she spoke, her two children played with big balloons nearby.

Local resident Bob Sherbin agreed. "Jewish holidays are really about the children," he said, adding that his children had been thinking about their Purim costumes for weeks. "And the Purim party also helps ground them in the traditions."

The Goldsteins say they hope the party will be just the beginning. "Our goal is to bring the joys of Judaism to Cupertino, and tonight is a beautiful start," said Rabbi Goldstein in a final address to the crowd.

For more information about the Cupertino chabad center, call 408.207.3648 or visit www.chabadofcupertino.com.