Calling all kings, queens, and righteous men!
The joyous holiday of Purim begins this year on Saturday evening, March 23, or 13 Adar II, in the Hebrew calendar.
Celebrating the Jewish victory over Haman, the reading of the Megillah teaches about acts of bravery in the face of antisemitism in long ago Persia in the 5th century BCE. Costumes, groggers, spiels, hamantashen, and shalach manos gift bags combine to create the fun festivities of this holiday, as recounted in the Book of Esther.
Jewish Tidewater offers plenty of places and ways to both observe and celebrate Purim. All events listed here are open to the community, though some have fees to attend.
🎉B’nai Israel Congregation
Megillah Readings
Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24
Purim Seuda
Includes a costume contest, moon bounce, children’s entertainers, and Leibedig music.
Saturday, March 24, 4:30 pm
Adults $18/person and children $12/person or purchase a family pack for $75.
RSVP by March 10 to office@bnaiisrael.org or call 757-627-7358.
🎉Chabad of Tidewater
Megillah readings
Saturday, March 23, 8:15 pm and Sunday, March 24, 8:30 am
Chabad’s 45th Annual Israeli-themed Purim Party
The party includes a special children’s program.
Sunday, March 24, 5 pm
Sandler Family Campus
Call 757-616-0770 for more information.
Chabad offers private Megillah readings in people’s homes for those who cannot travel to the synagogue. Contact Rabbi Levi at rabbilevi@chabadoftidewater.com to make arrangements.
🎉Congregation Beth Chaverim
Beth Chaverim Purim Party and Megillah reading
Megillah reading in English, dinner, karaoke, and games. BYOB – mixers, mocktails, and wine will be provided.
Saturday, March 23, 7 – 10 pm
Old Donation Episcopal Church
$20/person with RSVP and $30 at the door.
Email for more information: temple.office@bethchaverim.com.
🎉Congregation Beth El, KBH, and Temple Israel
Costumed Purim Soiree
The program starts with a Megillah reading for families, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Saturday, March 24, 8 pm
Congregation Beth El
🎉Congregation Beth El
Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 24, 10:30 am -12:30 pm
Call 757-625-7821 for more information.
🎉Ohef Sholom Temple
Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 17, 10 am – 12 pm
To purchase wristbands in advance, email Robyn Weiner at osty@ohefsholom.org.
Purim Shpiel
Megillah (Taylor’s Version)
Saturday, March 23, 5:30 pm
$18 per person, includes cocktail hour and heavy hors d’oeuvres, $5 per child includes dinner.
Call 757-625-4295 for more information.
🎉Simon Family JCC
Operation Hamantaschen
Come in costume with friends and family, make hamantashen, participate in a mitzvah project, and enjoy a bounce house and free play in the gym with PJ Library in Tidewater while waiting for the cookies to bake.
Sunday, March 10, 1 – 4 pm
Tickets are $10/ family. Spots are limited. To reserve a timeslot, visit jewishva.org/OH.
🎉Temple Emanuel
Purim Celebration
Includes tefillah, costumes, the Megillah reading, and a wine and cheese reception.
Saturday, March 23, 7 – 8:30 pm
Purim Carnival
The celebration includes face-painting and carnival games.
Sunday, March 24, 10 am – 12 pm
For more information, email: office@tevb.org or call 757-428-2591.
🎉Temple Lev Tikvah
Megillah reading and more
Includes a costume parade, songs, hamantaschen, and more.
Rabbi Israel Zoberman, who won the fastest Megillah reading contest as a student at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, will lead the festivities.
Friday, March 22, 7:30 pm
Call 757-617-0334 for more information.
🎉The Cardo Café
Sandler Family Campus
Hamantaschen for sale. Choose from one dozen for $10 or two dozen for $18 (all taxes included). Each dozen has an assortment of flavors: chocolate, poppy seed, prune, apricot, and raspberry.
Pre-order for pick-up March 21 or 22. Email orders to lunch@ujft.org.