From Persia to Today: Hearing a Living Story

In connection with our Purim learning, the middle school girls had the special opportunity to hear from Jessica’s father, Mr. Senehi. As the students learn about the Purim story, which took place in ancient Persia, it was especially meaningful to hear from someone who actually grew up in Iran.

Mr. Senehi shared the remarkable story of how he and his mother escaped Iran when he was young. In order to leave safely, they had to travel through the desert for several nights. They rode camels at night and hid during the day so they would not be detected. Eventually they made their way toward Pakistan, where they hoped to continue their journey and build a new life. Many families leaving Iran during that time had to take dangerous and secret routes through deserts and mountains to reach neighboring countries before they could travel onward.

He also shared a powerful memory from his childhood. One evening after returning home from shul with his father after hearing the Megillah on Taanis Esther, they found officials speaking with his mother in their home. The building they lived in belonged to a Jewish owner who had already left the country, and the family was suddenly told they would have to move out. Mr. Senehi described how his mother calmly asked if they could come back the next day so she could first give her husband and son dinner after their fast. Her wisdom and calmness left a strong impression on the students.

Another part of his story that the girls found very interesting was hearing about the differences within the Jewish world. Growing up in a Persian Jewish community, he had never even heard of Ashkenazi Jews. When he later stopped in Europe on the way to America, it was his first time seeing foods like gefilte fish and kugel.

The girls listened with fascination as they heard these firsthand experiences. Learning about Persia in the Megillah is one thing, but hearing the story of someone who actually lived there made that connection feel real and meaningful. It reminded the students that Jewish history is not just something we read about. It is something that lives on through the stories and experiences of our people.