LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) - The Yeshiva Academy in Longmeadow kicked off its two-day celebration of the Jewish Holiday, Purim, with a celebration of live music. The holiday highlights the victory Jewish people achieved over 2,000 years ago in the land of Persia, when there was a plan to eradicate them. This two-day holiday is a celebration of their survival. "As Jews, we're part of the broader community," says Rabbi Lavy Kosofsky. "It's also important to hold onto our tradition, onto our faith, onto our observances--this is what keeps us strong throughout all the generations." The Yeshiva Academy will continue the festivities Friday with an 80's-style New York deli dinner, live music, a costume contest, and a performance from students who attend the school. Local News Headlines Yeshiva Academy celebrates Purim with music and fun Springfield crews put out brush fire on Anglesea Street Illegal burning sparks brush fire, damages Agawam home CitySpace offers free venue, stipend for western Mass performers WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less