Happy Purim!
Are you ready for a magical night of games, fun, megillah reading and, of course, MAGIC?!
Purim is the Feast of Lots, and is observed on the 14th day of Adar. Told in the Book of Esther, Purim recounts the story of Queen Esther saving the Jewish people from Haman, a royal advisor who had plans to destroy them. Purim is celebrated with the giving of gifts to friends and the poor, dressing in costume, and the reading of the Megillah. Hamantaschen are traditionally baked in preparation for the holiday.
Purim Carnival 2025
Thursday, March 13, 4:00 – 5:45pm
Purim Carnival | Kick off the festivities with a ruach (spirit)- filled carnival featuring a bounce house, games, crafts, face painting, and more! Perfect for young families, it’s a chance to play, create, and celebrate.
$36/per family (CNS members) | $54/family (non CNS members)
Volunteers needed to help with crafts and games! Please email Candace: crothstein@nevehshalom.org
Magical Megillah Reading and Taco Bar Dinner
5:45pm – 8:30pm
Enjoy a delicious taco bar before experiencing a one-of-a-kind Megillah reading, brought to life with dazzling magic acts that will leave you spellbound!
There is NO FEE or registration requirements to attend the Magical Megillah Reading.
Taco Bar Dinner:
$12/Child 0-3 (Member) | $15/Child (Non-Member)
$18/Adult (Member) | $25 Adult (Non-Member)
$54/Family Max (Member) | $72/Family Max (Non-Member)
- 5:45-6:45pm Dinner
- 6:45-7:05pm Opening Magic
- 7:05pm – 8:30pm Maa’riv & Megillah
Become a Purim Patron!
Bring the joy of Purim to every generation! Your donation helps create meaningful Purim experiences, from baking hamantaschen with Holocaust survivors to a magical Megillah reading, a festive carnival for young families, college care packages, Mishloach Manot for seniors, and more. Give today and help spread the spirit of Purim far and wide!
Mishloach Manot Deliveries for Seniors (85+)
This year, we’re bringing the sweetness of Purim to our congregants age 85+ with home deliveries of Mishloach Manot*.
– Volunteers Needed –
- Hamentaschen bakers; Contact Jennifer Kalenscher: jenkal@comcast.net
- Mishloach package prep & Delivery Drivers; Contact Lisa Richmond: lrichmond@nevehshalom.org
*Mishloach Manot (literally, “sending of portions”) are gifts of food or drink that are sent to family, friends, and others on Purim. The mitzvah of giving Mishloach Manot derives from the Book of Esther. It is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast, and to increase love and friendship among Jews and their neighbors.
Send a Purim Package to a College Student
This year, you can order Purim packages for your college kids through our Mishloach Manot gift baskets form.
If you have questions, please e-mail mcaplan@nevehshalom.org.
Teen Purim Party
Wednesday, March 12th, Birnbach Hall
Dinner at 5:45pm
Party at 6:30pm
Something mysterious is afoot, so get ready for intrigue! Either come in costume or pick one up when you arrive.
RSVP is required if not enrolled in Tichon.
Morning Minyan Megillah Reading
Friday, March 14th, 7:00am
Come hear the Megillah at morning Minyan!
The 4 Mitzvot of Purim
Megillah: On Purim, the Megillah is read aloud in synagogues all over the world – and this is one time when no one is discouraged from making noise during the service! In fact, listeners shake their groggers (Yiddish for “noisemakers”) every time they hear the name of the villain of the story, Haman. This tradition is passed down L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, as a means of remembering the lessons learned from persecution and celebrating the fact that our Kehillah, our community, has continued to thrive through today. You can find different English interpretations of the megillah online and be sure to join our community for the reading on Purim!
Mishlo’ach Manot: The second mitzvah is sending gifts, or mishlo’ach manot which is Hebrew for “sending food,” usually in the form of Purim gift baskets. Gifts of food to friends and colleagues ensure that everyone has the means to be happy, further foiling the evil plans of Haman. Sending gifts to our friends is a beautiful way to celebrate K’lal, the value of inclusivity, making sure every person feels the joy of Purim and of being included in the Kehillah, community.
Se’udat Purim: In addition to the purim spiel, (the playful part of Purim), which usually includes telling the story, a costume parade, and baking or eating hamantaschen, many families also enjoy the Se’udah, or the Purim feast. This commandment is to “eat, drink, and be merry.”
Matanot L’evyonim: Directly giving to those experiencing poverty, matanot l’evyonim, is the fourth mitzvah. Giving to others, especially on Purim, ensures that everyone in our kehillah (community) has the means to celebrate during the holiday and honors Esther and Mordechai’s legacy of saving the Jewish people. Fulfilling the mitzvah of matanot l’evyonim can be as simple as dropping coins into a tzedakah box or making donations of food or clothing to a local pantry or shelter.
