Though Purim lasts only one day, local synagogues and schools are finding ways to celebrate all week long. Jewish tradition tells us, “When Adar enters, joy increases,” and area schools will be not only be enjoying Purim festivities, but also participating in chesed projects to spread the joy. If your heart is astir with a good theme, the community offers an abundance of opportunities to fill the hearts of others, your family and yourself with Purim cheer and mitzvos. Chag Sameach!
Congregation Israel in Springfield is gearing up for its amazing annual Purim carnival. There will be so much fun packed into one room, including face painting, balloon making, carnival games, food, prizes, costumes and more. The carnival will begin after the Megillah reading on March 4 at 7:15 pm, and will run until 10:00 p.m. Admission to the carnival is $10 per person, $35 for a family of 4+, and sponsors may donate $100 which includes family admission. Congregation Israel is located at 339 Mountain Avenue, Springfield.
The Golda Och Academy’s Lower School is collecting specific food items to be put into mishaloch manot bags, which will be distributed by Meals on Wheels. The students in first and third grades will also visit B’nai B’rith and the Lester Senior Housing Community to sing and bring mishaloch manot packages. At the Upper School, students will be treated to the magic of mentalist Ben Cohen, and the high school will hold a Purim-themed game of Family Feud.
Cong. AABJ&D, Etz Chaim, and Suburban Torah will welcome costumed Queen Esthers and Elsas of all ages for a wide range of entertainment at carnivals after Megillah leining on Wednesday.
One thing will be noticeably absent from a Thursday morning reading at the JCC MetroWest: men. This year, ten women will read the Megillah for an audience of just women and children, carrying on a tradition that has been going strong for more than for ten years. “We are all Orthodox, so it is natural for us to want the reading to be exclusively for women,” says Beth Hindin of West Orange. “We have readers of all ages, from post-bat mitzvah to seniors.” Hindin has been one of the readers since the beginning and reading the Megillah has become a tradition for her own family; her oldest daughter has gone on to start a women’s reading at Stern College and has taught Megillah to bat mitzvah girls, and her second daughter is reading the Megillah this year in Ethiopia. The reading, which generally attracts an audience of about 50 women, will take place at 8:45 AM on Thursday morning in the Tepper Conference Room at the JCC.
David HaMelech said “My heart is astir with a good theme.” In his likeness, the Elmora, Hillside, and Elizabeth communities are also astir with many good themes as Purim approaches.
The Union Y already had its family Purim carnival on Sunday February 22. The room was filled with unique and adorable versions of regal Queen Esthers and sinister Hamans, as well as today’s super-heroes.
On Purim Day, the Y invites the entire community to its open programming, beginning with a public reading of Megillat Esther at 10:30 AM and a simultaneous kids’ program in a nearby room. Following the reading at 11:30 AM, a grand Purim seudah will take place. Member families enjoy the discounted price of $25, and non-members pay $36. Singles, seniors or a single child are also welcome for a fee of $10. Reservations are being accepted until March 2.
Adath Israel invites the community to join in its Purim celebrations. The evening Chagigah immediately follows the 6:25 Megillah reading, and features a dairy post-fast buffet, music, dancing, and entertainment by OLAM DJ and Production. Complete with games and prizes for the kids and balloon creations by Animaloons, the Chagigah is AI’s marquee family event of the year. There will be a late Megillah reading at 9:15 PM during the Chagigah. Children under 3 are free; ages 3-14/$13, and maximum family cost is $75. RSVP by March 1st online at www.adathisraelshul.org. On Purim day Shachris will be at 6:05 and 8:00 AM, with a late Megillah reading at the home of David & Ilana Adams at 11:00 am for adults only.
Bris Avrohom, 910 Salem Avenue in Hillside, invites the entire community to its Purim Extravaganza. There will be a Megillah reading with simultaneous children’s reading Wednesday evening March 4, at 6 PM, followed by a Purim feast including live music by world renowned Israeli singer, Sandy Shmuely. The cost is $10 per person and includes admission and the seudah. For more information visit www.brisavrohom.org or call the office at 908-289-0770.
The Elmora Hills Minyan will hold their gala family Purim seudah on Thursday March 5, at 5 PM. Families will enjoy entertainment, and a raffle. Reservations are being taken until Sunday, March 1. Children under 3 are free, ages 4-11/$11 and adults 14 or over are $22 with a family maximum of $75. The raffle drawing will be at 7 PM.
RTMA has organized Mishloach Manos, as in previous years, for the teachers, administration and staff of the JEC schools. If you are interested in the last-minute opportunity to participate; contact the JEC office immediately. The cost is $3.00 per person, with ¾ of the proceeds going to Tomchei Shabbos of Elizabeth, and ¼ to RTMA graduates to help offset the expense of their year in Israel.
The Jewish Educational Center has an array of exciting activities, including many community outreach programs, which began February 19 with the Early Childhood students’ presentation of a vocal concert for the Holocaust survivors at JFS. On Friday, February 20, there was a Purim Trivia contest during lunch. The 6th grade girls brought Mishloach Manos to patients and residents at the Elmora Rehab center on February 25. At the JEC, there is a Purim-themed program every day until Purim, and a costume day in school on Shushan Purim, Friday, March 6. February 26 was Pajama Day, and the fourth grade girls presented their Purim play. The school Purim carnival will be Monday, March 2.
By Ellie Wolf and Rachel Jager
