West Orange—During the week leading up to Purim, the Metrowest JCC will hold several events beginning with Family Fun Day on Sunday, March 1 from 10am to 11:30 in the Margulis Gymnasium. Special sports activities will be available, including a moon bounce, mini obstacle course, slides, tunnels and a special Tot Spot for children under 2. JCC staff will be on hand to provide guidance. Admission for children ages 2-5 is $5/$10 at the door. Adults must be present.

That same day, from 11:30 to 1p.m., in Robbins Hall, there will be a pre-Purim workshop featuring hamantaschen baking, “make and take” mishloach manot, and music with Miss Jill. Lunch will be served. The cost is $5 per child. For information on both events, contact Katy Strulson at [email protected] or 973-530-3915.

On Purim Day, Thursday, March 5, there will be a women’s only megillah reading in the Tepper Conference Room from 8:45 to 10 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., a community megillah reading will be held in Steiner Court, led by Rabbi Mendy Kasowitz of the Chabad of West Orange. All are invited to come in costume and enjoy Purim treats at no charge. For information, contact Rhonda Lillianthal at [email protected] or 973-530-3519.

Finally, at 1p.m. on Purim day, in the Maurice Levin Theater, there will be a Senior Adult Purim Celebration and Show featuring “A Night at the 500 Club” with Joey Arminio and the Family. Admission is free for Margulis members, $6 for JCC members, and $12 for non-members. To register, call: 973-530-3474 or 973-929-2938.

JOFA Rolls Out Megillat Esther App

The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance has an interactive app which allows men and women to learn the cantillations for reading Megillat Esther. The app is available for download to Apple or Android smart phones or tablets, or for Web-based use with Chrome or Safari browsers. For more information, visit https://jofa.org/Education/Ritual_Opportunities/Megillat_Esther_App.

By Jill Kirsch