I need human help to enter verification code (office hours only)

Sign In Forgot Password
Home > Worship > Holiday Celebrations > Purim

Holiday Celebrations

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.

Purim celebrations

Tots Purim Service
Monday, March 2
5:00 PM
A wickedly fun introduction to Purim for our youngest heroes! With songs, movement, and a short, lively Megillah reading.

Purim Carnival (All Ages)
Monday, March 2
5:30–7:00 PM
Step into the Emerald City of Purim! Games, crafts, treats, and over-the-top fun for all ages—costumes encouraged and silliness guaranteed. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will also be available for purhcase at the door.

For Teens: Purim Carnival Crew + After Party!
Monday, March 2
4:30-7:30 PM
Help make the magic happen and then hang out, chill, and enjoy some well-earned treats together before the Megillah reading! Volunteering and celebrating are better with friends. Earn SSL hours for volunteering, too. Click here to register.

Family Megillah Reading (Grades K–6)
Monday, March 2
7:00 PM
A fast-paced, family-friendly Megillah reading that keeps families engaged from start to finish. Boo Haman, cheer Esther, and experience the Purim story together.

Ma’ariv and Megillah Reading
Monday, March 2
7:30 PM
A traditional Ma’ariv service followed by a full Megillah reading, complete with all the noise, energy, and communal joy that make Purim unforgettable.

Congregational Purim Party – Famous Duos Edition
Monday, March 2
9:00 PM
Grab a friend, your BFF, or your partner—it’s time to show off your favorite famous duo! Sherlock & Watson, Batman & Robin, Gomez & Morticia, Elphaba & Glinda, or any iconic pair you imagine! Come ready to celebrate, laugh, and show off your duo’s epic style! Click here to register.

This program is made possible by the generosity of the Rabbi Matthew and Dr. Sara Rubinow Simon Legacy Endowment for Jewish Engagement.

Purim Seudah
Tuesday, March 3
5:30 PM
Fulfill the final mitzvah of Purim with a festival meal with food, karaoke, and fun. All community members are invited to attend. Lessans Talmud Torah students will join with their teachers. Parents are invited to join us, too. Click here to register.

Purim spiel 2026

Welcome to Oz…we mean Shushan! This year’s Purim Spiel will be called The Megillah of Oz with an exciting mash up of the Wizard of Oz and Wicked. As always, the Purim Spiel will be a unique and complete musical theater experience for B’nai Israel’s youth, with participants having the opportunity to act, sing, dance, work as a team, and appreciate the Purim story in a new way. Participants develop close friendships and make positive life-long memories at the synagogue through theater. The custom and original script with songs and scenes written and directed by Naomi Gerstenblith with Curtain Up Creative, LLC, will be a Purim joy.

The Spiel will be performed twice this year on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Click here to purchase tickets. 

We cannot wait to share The Megillah of Oz with you!

The Purim Spiel is dedicated in memory of Rabbi Matthew Bellas, z”l, by the Blecher Family Endowment for the Arts.

2026 hamantaschen & purim greetings

B’nai Israel Sisterhood orders for their delicious hamantaschen have now closed..

Congregational Purim Greetings 
wiil be pubished on Purim and in the mid-March Scroll newsletter. 

• Hamantaschen pick-up will be available all day at B’nai Israel beginning Monday, February 23.

Thu, March 5 2026 16 Adar 5786