Magician Michael C. DeSchalit of Magically Speaking will appear at Congregation Chofetz Chayim’s “Magical Purim Party” and dinner on Sunday, March 16 at 4 p.m.
DeSchalit has performed in such venues as the Magic Castle in Hollywood, the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo, the Riviera and Circus Circus hotels in Las Vegas and hundreds of schools nationwide. He holds awards for close-up, parlor and stage magic and is a member of the Society of American Magicians, the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Academy of Magical Arts. He is also a master stage hypnotist and professional motivational speaker who has presented to over 500,000 students, educators and business professionals.
“Purim is the most festive of all holidays, and just like magic can turn black into white, there was an illusion that the Jewish people were going to be destroyed during the time of King Achashverosh and we weren’t,” says Chofetz Chayim’s Rabbi Israel Becker. “We wear masks and costumes at Purim because the Purim miracle was initially hidden from us. The miracle was hidden behind the scenes, just like a magician hides the magic behind the scenes.”
DeSchalit, who will be making his first performance in a synagogue, adds, “Just as the Jews were freed from an evil decree, magic frees the mind so that you can view life from a different perspective.”
The culmination of DeSchalit’s performance is his escape from a 20-inch by 20-inch by 30-inch diamond-plated steel box, in plain view so that the audience can see every step of the escape.
The party will begin at 4 p.m. with wine and hors d’oeuvres on the Chofetz Chayim patio, followed by dinner and live banjo music by folk and bluegrass musician Michael Wallner. The magic show begins at 6 p.m. and the event concludes with hamantashen and dessert.
The cost is $21 for adults, $15 for students and $12 for children ages 5-12. RSVP by March 9 to esther@tucsontorah.org. For more information, call 747-7780.
