Purim festivities in the Raritan Valley area extended well beyond the week of Purim and provided fun and entertainment for all ages in the Highland Park/Edison and East Brunswick areas. The following is not an all-inclusive listing of activities, merely a sampling of local events.

Families flocked to the East Brunswick Jewish Center (EBJC) on Sunday, March 9, for the Tri-Synagogue Purim Carnival hosted by the EBJC, Young Israel of East Brunswick, and Congregation Bnei Shalom. More than 60 families came just in the first hour of operation for games of skill, Purim crafts, shows, a bounce house, food and other entertainment. Queen Esther’s Beauty Salon had a steady stream of girls lined up to participate, the hamantaschen-decorating table provided yummy customization opportunities, balloon-art masterpieces charmed all ages and the photo booth had props so even non-costumed parents could join in on the fun. “We are so pleased that the three synagogues came together to celebrate Purim as we have done on an annual basis. We ordered the pizza from Giddy’s in Highland Park to be all-inclusive, ” said Ira Merkle, EBJC president.

Meanwhile, adults were able to retreat to a blocked area of the gym to sample wines and liquors before placing their orders for the annual Passover wine sale in support of Yashar LaChayal. According to Jack Silverman, one of the wine-sale organizers, “We have the most popular Israeli wines and other items available. People can stock up on their Seder and Shabbat needs while knowing that 100% of the proceeds go directly to supporting our chayalim in Israel. Purchases help defeat BDS and support the vintners.” One of the well-received products was a fig liquor with a strong, yet pleasant, flavor. For more information and/or to place an order, contact [email protected].

Over 100 people visited Congregation Etz Ahaim (EA) in Highland Park for their annual Purim Extravaganza that same afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. Family fun for all—featuring pony rides, puppet shows, face painting, arts and crafts, masquerade races, raffles with excellent prizes, a bounce house and a glorious meat buffet—was available. The amazing puppet show told the story of Purim while incorporating what was going on at the event itself, enthralling children and adults. EA’s teens took the lead to create the games and engage the children of all ages while allowing adults the opportunity to socialize and enjoy the delicious food that included homemade vegetable and chicken soups, Chinese delights, sliders, schnitzel and more!

Later in the afternoon of March 9, Congregation Ahavas Yisrael in Edison held a Purim Crafts & Bagels event where attendees had the opportunity to create customized Purim masks, picture frames for their photo booth pictures, and I-Spy groggers while enjoying fresh bagels and cream cheese. Co-organizers Sarah Smith and Paige Wechsler kept the activities flowing. The groggers featured miniature hand-made clay hamantaschen, hand-dyed rice and Purim-themed items placed in a jar. “We did a similar event last Purim. Everyone had a great time so we decided to do it again,” said Wechsler.

Torah Links in East Brunswick hosted a Hamantaschen Bake for the entire family on Monday evening, March 10. “It’s beautiful to see families get together with the traditions of the Purim holiday in [literally] a hands-on way. It is great to see people come today that we don’t normally see on a regular basis,” said Rabbi Dovid Gross of Torah Links. All the ingredients were available to make all sorts of traditionally and non-traditionally flavored hamantaschen to be baked at home. Of course, there were refreshments that included commercially available hamantaschen to get everyone in the festive holiday mood. Marina Dvorkin of East Brunswick came “to be part of the community celebration” and enjoyed helping a young child at her table. “The nicest part is to see the children, the teenagers with their friends, people of all ages working together,” added Rebetzin Chani Gross as she went over the baking directions for the more than 75 people in attendance.

Highland Park’s Congregation Ahavas Achim (AA) presented a “Party Pets Animal Show” on Purim night to keep the youngest children occupied with a display and presentation of live snakes, turtles, guinea pigs and more during the Megillah reading and followed up with their post-Purim carnival event on the afternoon of Sunday, March 16. Boardwalk-like carnival games, face painting, balloon animals, popcorn and cotton candy and, of course, prizes awaited children of all ages. “There is fun for the whole family. I’m here with my children and nieces and nephews. It is great to have an event to celebrate Purim that the whole family can enjoy,” said Rabbi Noah Whittenburg, AA assistant rabbi. The crowd appeared to exceed the historic attendance figure of 50-100 people that Youth Director Chani Neuman provided, with costumed children lining up to try their hands at carnival games such as skee ball and ball toss. Festive Purim music provided the right mood.