Purim
Purim celebrates the courage of Queen Esther, who pleaded before King Ahasuerus to save the Jews of Persia from the destructive plot of the wicked Haman. Drawing on key words from the Scroll of Esther, v’nahafokh hu (the plot was turned on its head), Purim is celebrated as “topsy-turvy day”. Children and adults dress in costume, and the day is marked by feasting and revelry. The four commandments of the holiday include: reading the Megillah (Scroll of Esther), Se’udat Purim (Purim feast), Mishloach Manot (sending gifts of food), and Matanot L’evyonim (charitable gifts to those in need).
At B’nai Israel, children and adults come in costume, and the Megillah is chanted in the evening and morning by teen and adult members of the congregation. Our annual Purim carnival is a real treat, so popular that it is divided into shifts for younger and older children. Our age-appropriate youth services are led by members of the clergy and professional staff with significant participation by the children. The congregation provides opportunities to support community charities.
2025 purim Events & celebrations
Purim Spiel "shushanian nights"
This year's Purim Spiel “Shushanian Nights” is a Purim-spin on Aladdin. The music and
story are recognizable, upbeat and fun and the show has great comedic characters. With
a completely original script and lyrics by Naomi Gerstenblith, Founder of Curtain Up
Creative, LLC and B'nai Israel member, this is a B'nai Israel Purim highlight not to be missed. B'nai Israel's Purim Spiel features children
in grades K–8 performing the story of Purim through singing, dancing, costumes, and storytelling. The Purim Spiel will be performed
on the stage in Fanaroff Auditorium. Tickets are not yet on sale. Performances will be held:
Sunday, March 9 at 1:00 PM
Sunday, March 9 at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, March 12 at 7:00 PM
This year's Purim Spiel is made possible by the generosity of the Rabbi Matthew and Dr. Sara Rubinow Simon Legacy Endowment for Jewish Engagement.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.
Hamantaschen & Purim Greetings
Sisterhood Hamantaschen sales have closed. Thank you for all of your support! Pick up for those who placed orders will be on Monday, March 10.
Purim celebrations
Celebrate Purim with all of us at B’nai Israel. There’s something for everyone—carnivals,
Megillah readings, parties, and more!
Thursday, March 13
5:00–5:45 PM Purim Carnival for Tots (Ages 5 and under with a parent)
6:00–6:30 PM Megillah Readings for Tots and School-Aged Children
6:30–7:30 PM Purim Carnival for Grades K–6
7:30–9:00 PM Congregational Ma'ariv and Megillah Reading
9:00 PM VIPurim: The Ultimate Red Carpet Party (Adults 21+)
9:00 PM Teen Game Night
Friday, March 14
7:15 AM Morning Minyan with Megillah Reading, followed by Purim Seudah Breakfast,
sponsored by B’nai Israel Sisterhood and Men’s Club
Fri, March 28 2025
28 Adar 5785
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We are accessible
B’nai Israel is proud to be accessible to all.
Large print siddurim, assistive listening devices and page magnifiers are readily available. Our entire building and grounds are wheelchair accessible. We can provide sign language interpreters upon request and subject to availability.
